LA VERKIN, Utah (KUTV) — Family and friends gathered Friday morning at the funeral for the seven victims of a murder-suicide in southern Utah.
More than 830 people attended the service for Gail Earl, Tausha Haight, Macie Haight, Briley Haight, Ammon Haight, Sienna Haight, and Gavin Haight at a meetinghouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in La Verkin, a town about 30 minutes outside St. George.
Tausha, her five children, and her mother Gail were all found dead last week in their home in Enoch. Police said Tausha’s husband, Michael Haight, 42, killed them before killing himself. The story attracted worldwide attention and shined a spotlight on the small community in Iron County where the family lived.
The funeral was held in La Verkin where Gail lived and Tausha grew up. During the service, Kandace Earl Booth, Tausha’s sister and Gail’s daughter, delivered eulogies for each deceased family member.
Tausha Haight
Tausha Haight, 40, was remembered as a friend to many and a devoted mother.
“Tausha was an incredible mother who constantly sacrificed everything for her children,” Booth said. “They truly were her most precious possessions that she had. She taught them love, kindness, service, dedication, and the gospel of Jesus Christ through her example.”
Tausha was service-oriented, Booth remembered, and had served in her church as a teacher in the women’s organization and as a leader in the young women’s organization.
Gail Earl
Booth remembered her mother, Gail Earl, 78, as a loving person who taught her children the gospel and loved baking hot, fresh bread for her family each week.
“She was always serving others, and more often than not, she was serving their needs without them realizing that they needed that service,” said Booth. “Her greatest joy was her family. She has left her mark on so many lives.”
Macie Haight
Macie Haight, 17, was scheduled to graduate from high school this spring and also receive her associate’s degree from Southern Utah University, Booth said. She planned to attend SUU in the fall to study digital marketing.
“If she had to respond to her family with some sort of corrective criticism, she would always follow up immediately and say, ‘said with love,’” Booth remembered.
Briley Haight
Briley Haight, 12, loved to read and regularly shared her book recommendations with others, Booth said.
“She was kind and welcoming to others,” said Booth. “She had a love for music and played the piano and the cello.” Booth said Briley loved performing for people and always memorized the music she played.
Ammon Haight
Ammon Haight, 7, a twin, loved to see how things work, said Booth. He had a love of trains from a young age, and he enjoyed playing Legos. In fact, Booth said, he had just completed the Titanic Lego kit – no small feat – this past Christmas.
Ammon also loved his friends and family, said Booth.
Sienna Haight
Sienna Haight, 7, also a twin, was a “spirited girl” who loved school, said Booth.
She loved to read, she loved everything about cats, and she enjoyed laughing, Booth said, remembering Sienna's vivacious and cheerful personality.
Gavin Haight
Gavin Haight, 4, was “a happy boy that kept his Mama on her toes,” said Booth. He loved his family, smiling and giving hugs, and making artwork – which included drawing murals on the walls.
“His middle name is Drew,” said Booth, “and boy, did he!”
A ‘really hard’ week
Family members who spoke at the funeral thanked well-wishers for their prayers and support during the past week. Terry Earl asked mourners to pray for the Enoch Police officers and Iron County Sheriff’s deputies who had the difficult task of responding to the scene of the murder-suicide.
“This last week has been really hard. The loss has been really tough,” said Terry Earl, while noting that his family has relied on their faith to get through it. “In our deep sorrow, Christ has comforted our hearts and has given us peace beyond any of our capacities.”
He also urged people to tell their family, friends, and neighbors that “you love them.”
Kevin Pearson, a general authority in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who oversees Utah congregations, also attended the funeral.
"There has been a sweetness and a peace and assurance that's been here," Pearson said, paying tribute to each of the deceased family members. "We've been lifted by their thoughts. This is what the gospel of Jesus Christ looks like in practice."
Moving forward from the tragedy, Pearson urged mourners to "embrace gratitude" for life and family, be faithful rather than fearful, pray for peace and comfort, and "choose to live better lives."
Following the funeral service, family members joined a short procession to the La Verkin City Cemetery where Tausha Haight, her children, and Gail Earl were to be buried.
A public candlelight vigil was scheduled for Friday at 6 p.m. in Enoch.
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