Our beautiful mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Annette Cook Taggart, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at the age of 91. Born on August 7, 1934, in Ogden, Utah, to Dell Williams Cook and Nora Kendell Garner, Mom's life was marked by remarkable resilience, as well as an early understanding of the eternal nature of families. Tragedy struck early in Mom's life when her loving mother, Nora, passed away in 1941. Mom was just seven years old at the time. Despite this terrible loss, she grew up with a heart full of love for her siblings, Boyd, Dell, Julie, and Bart.

Mom graduated from Weber High School in 1952. She treasured the close friendships she formed there, maintaining those bonds with her classmates throughout her life. On July 30, 1953, she married Ron Stephens in the Logan Temple. Just six months into their marriage, Ron was called to serve a full-time mission in Roanoke, Virginia. For the next two years, Mom worked at the Forest Service, providing financial support for her missionary husband.

Upon his return, they began their family-a journey marked by both immense joy and profound sorrow. Their first son, Kent, born in 1957, brought great joy and happiness to their home until his accidental drowning at the tender age of three. Their family was blessed with five additional children: Doug, Jeff, Mark, Noralie, and Jennifer. Sadness touched their home once again in 1965 when their infant son, Mark, passed away from viral pneumonia at only nine months old. Through every trial and adversity, Mom worked tirelessly to nurture her children, anchoring their home in love and her steadfast testimony of the Gospel.

Mom was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in many capacities, including Relief Society President. Following her divorce from Ron, she married Ray Sheffield, and together they spent many years serving in the Salt Lake Temple. In 1992, they were called as the first proselyting couple to the Kiev, Ukraine Mission. While there, Mom helped establish the Relief Society in Ukraine. Mom had a profound love for the Ukrainian people, staying in contact with many until her passing. She deeply mourned the suffering in Ukraine caused by the recent war.

Following Ray's passing, Mom found love once again with an old friend, Jay Taggart. They were married in 2012. Theirs was a beautiful union--spending many happy hours traveling, reading poetry, buying art, and with Mom at the piano while Jay sang by her side. Jay passed away in 2016, leaving behind a legacy of shared joy and love.

Mom was truly a friend to all. Her cheerful, selfless personality made everyone feel loved. All who knew her will treasure the memory of her contagious laughter. She will be deeply missed by her surviving children: Doug (Julie) Stephens, Jeff (Leila) Stephens, Noralie (Blake) Larkin, and Jennifer (Chris) Clarke. Her legacy of faith also continues with her 19 grandchildren, as well as children and grandchildren from both the Sheffield and Taggart families--all of whom she loved dearly.

We invite friends and family to join us in celebrating Annette's remarkable life. A viewing will be held on Friday, March 20, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday morning from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Funeral services will follow on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Both the viewing and the funeral will be held at the Washington Terrace 10th Ward, located at 125 East 5350 South.