JoDean Williams

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of JoDean Williams, 85, beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend, who will be deeply missed. Mom passed away quietly on June 30, 2025 surrounded by her family. She was born in Price, Utah on May 4, 1940 to Joe Slavensky and Trellis Pehrson and was lovingly raised by Bud Anderson.

Mom met the love of her life, our Dad, Larry Williams, at a dance hall in the small town of Dinosaur, Colorado (formerly Artesia.) From that first dance, they built a beautiful life together, continuing to dance for over 50 years as they raised a family filled with faith, laughter, and love. Born to that union were her 5 proudest accomplishments, her children; Laneeda, Lonnie, Gregg, David, and Keven.

She was known for her warm and caring ways. “Can I get you something?” was her signature greeting, making everyone feel welcome. She loved her Diet Coke (no ice, of course) and had a gift for caring deeply, always worrying about those she loved.

She loved her kids, grandkids, and great-grandchildren fearlessly, always showing up for them and making each feel loved and seen. Mom’s life was a beautiful example of service, faith, and unwavering love for her family and community. She served as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints as a Primary Teacher, Sunday School Teacher, Relief Society President and a Vernal, Utah Temple Worker.

Mom’s work outside of the home was a big part of who she was, and she took great pride in it. She worked for Ray Nash as a legal secretary and had a sharp eye for detail, she proofread documents for years. If there are any mistakes here, we apologize - Mom couldn’t proof this one! She later worked with the Ashley National Forest Service for 35 years, dedicating herself to helping others and taking care of the community she loved.

Following Mom’s retirement, she and Dad bought a new truck and trailer and headed to Arizona for the winters. They enjoyed many years there together, making new friends and creating more memories in the sunshine.

Her love and example will live on in each of us as we continue her traditions, share her stories, and strive to serve others as she did. We love you, Mom. Thank you for everything!

Mom is survived by her children; Lonnie (Duella), Syracuse, Utah; Gregg (Amber), Vernal, Utah; David (Laurie), Gilbert, Arizona; and Keven (Michelle) Williams, Vernal, Utah; 23 sweet grandchildren; and 29 adorable great-grandchildren, with one more on the way. She is also survived by son-in-law,

Jim (Jennifer) Lucero, Lehi, Utah; her sister Linda (David) Kidd; and her sister-in-law Catherine Anderson.

Mom was preceded in death by her husband, Larry, and daughter, Laneeda Lucero; her parents, Joe Slavensky, Trellis Pehrson, and Bud Anderson; and her brothers, Dennis Slavensky and Lance Anderson, along with many loved ones and in-laws that she deeply cherished.

Funeral services will be held Monday, July 7, 2025 at 11:00AM at the Vernal 3rd Ward LDS Chapel (475 West 100 South). A viewing for family and friends will be held Monday morning from 9:00-10:45AM at the Church. Interment will be in the Vernal Memorial Park under the direction of the Phillips Ashley Valley Funeral Home.

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take…but by the moments that take our breath away.