Tirzah Deene Jones "Woodruff" Probasco

Tirzah Probasco ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Premier Funeral Services - Salt Lake City on Mar. 17, 2026.Tirzah Deene (Woodruff) Jones Probasco, 94, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2026, in Ogden, Utah. A talented artist, devoted mother and grandmother, and beloved friend, she filled her life-and the lives around her-with creativity, laughter, and love. She enjoyed excellent health and remained active and independent well into her later years.Tirzah was born on September 11, 1931, in Salt Lake City to John Daniel Woodruff and Margaret Genevieve Stoker. She had four siblings: Michael, Dan, Harry, and Pam Woodruff. She attended Ogden High School. After graduating, she joined the sorority Alpha Tau and remained a lifelong member, dedicated to raising funds for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. While working on planes at Hill Air Force Base, she met Arthur Russell Jones, and the two were married on November 23, 1951. They lived briefly in Arizona and Texas before making their home in Clearfield in 1959, where she lived for the remainder of her life and built lasting friendships within her community.After Art's passing, she married Avan William Probasco on August 12, 1980, welcoming many stepchildren and their families into her heart and home.Throughout her career, Tirzah worked in personnel positions at Hill Air Force Base, the United States Forest Service, and the Internal Revenue Service. She also contributed her skills in personnel and organization to the political campaign of Gunn McKay. She was known as a dependable and capable professional who took pride in her work and in supporting the people around her.Tirzah was a professional decorative painter and teacher of tole painting and folk art for more than 40 years, sharing her talent and inspiring countless others. She was a founding member of the Golden Spike Decorative Painters, a chapter of the National Society of Decorative Painters. Tirzah fondly recalled attending painting conventions and seminars, including the 1991 National Society of Decorative Painters convention in Salt Lake City and the Logan Painting Convention at Utah State University, where she taught designs and shared her love of the craft. She treasured the friendships built through painting and remained committed to the chapter's mission: to learn, teach, foster community, and preserve the traditions of decorative folk art for future generations. Her home was filled with the beautiful artwork she created, each piece reflecting the creativity and joy she shared with others.She enjoyed a monthly Mahjong group for nearly 20 years, where she made wonderful friends who enriched her life. Tirzah gave the best hugs, had a keen sense of style-especially when it came to shoes-and could often be found zipping around town in her cute car. She was an extraordinary woman whose love, creativity, and kindness shaped the lives of her family and friends, and her presence will be dearly missed.She is survived by her four children: Anita (Kelly) Simpson, Sue (Dennis) Clausen, Mark (Lisa) Jones, and Julie (Philip-deceased and Keith Klundt) Sholly; her stepchildren: Kevin Probasco, Peggy (Dave) Lyon (deceased), Everett (Marina) Probasco, Robert Probasco (deceased), and Eve (Tom) Laucomer (deceased); and many grandchildren.She was dearly loved by her friends, neighbors, family, and her two beloved dachshunds, Bowser and Dash, who brought her great companionship and joy.Tirzah will be remembered for her warmth, her creativity, and the joy she brought to everyone who knew her.A celebration of Tirzah's life will be held on Saturday, March 21, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Eccles Art Center, 2580 Jefferson Ave, Ogden, UT 84401.In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Best Friends Animal Society in her memory.The family is grateful for the love and support shown during this time.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.