Iona Elizabeth Williams Adam

Iona Elizabeth Williams Adam, age 99, returned peacefully to her Father in Heaven on September 9, 2025, surrounded by the legacy of love and family she nurtured throughout her long and remarkable life.

Born on March 31, 1926, in Kanarraville, Utah, to John Henry Williams and Mabel Caroline Leeder, Iona was the youngest of four children. During World War II, she moved to Southern California to support the war effort, volunteering with the USO. It was there she met and married Ernest Livermore on October 19, 1944. Together, they raised four children before later parting ways.

In 1960, Iona met Melville Gilbert Adam on a blind date in Cedar City, Utah, and found her eternal companion. They married on July 8, 1960, and she lovingly embraced his four children as her own, building a vibrant and blended family that brought her joy for the rest of her life. Mel preceded her in death, and their marriage was later solemnized in the Jordan River Temple.

A lifelong learner and passionate educator, Iona earned her bachelor's degree in education from the College of Southern Utah and a master's degree in education management from Utah State University. She taught for over three decades across Nevada, Southern Utah, and Salt Lake City, influencing countless young lives. An advocate for educators, Iona represented the Utah Teachers Association at the Utah State Legislature and was a devoted member of Delta Kappa Gamma Society.

She was also active in the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers and found strength, sisterhood, and heritage in their mission.

Iona's life was filled with adventure and family togetherness. She and Mel enjoyed countless family trips to Lake Mead, along with water skiing, fishing, and hunting- and long weekends at their cabin in the Uinta mountains, experiences she cherished deeply. Her faith was unwavering throughout her life. A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Iona served in many callings and touched many hearts through her kindness, service, and testimony.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Mel, her daughter Mary Caroline, and all of her siblings-making her the last of her generation in the Williams and Adam families.

Iona is survived by her children: Patricia Ellen (David, deceased), Fredrick John (Christine), Donald Paul (Joy), Gary Lynn (Suanna), Dawnell, Stephen (Sherri), and James (Nanette, deceased). Her posterity includes 30 grandchildren, 78 great-grandchildren, 26 great-great-grandchildren and even 2 great-great-great-grandchildren, with three more soon to arrive.

A viewing will be held on Friday, September 19, 2025, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 S Redwood Rd, Taylorsville, Utah.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with a viewing from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m., at the Academy Park Ward building, 4715 South 4300 West, Kearns, Utah.

Iona's life was defined by love, learning, service, and strength. Her influence will ripple through generations, and her memory will be held tenderly by all who were blessed to know her.