Lois Williams

1944 - 2025

Lois Williams

1944 ~ 2025

Salt Lake City, Utah-Lois Linford Williams passed away on August 4, 2025, after a life filled with purpose, passion, and profound impact. Born in Panguitch, Utah, to loving parents Bob and Helen Linford, she was raised in Cedar City and went on to live more in one lifetime than most could in three. Her boundless energy, creative spirit, and deep compassion touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

A gifted musician from a young age, Lois excelled in both piano and violin, eventually becoming a concert pianist and accomplished violinist. She attended Cedar City High School and later Southern Utah State College, where she earned a degree in business. It was there that she met and married her first husband, Joe Petty. Together, they moved to Logan, Utah, and welcomed their daughter, Kim.

After becoming a single mother, Lois's determination only grew. She moved to Salt Lake City and began working for the State of Utah, rising through the ranks from an assistant role to become Deputy Director of Community Affairs. During this time, she married Michael Strand, and her life continued to expand in both complexity and purpose.

In 1981, Lois followed her entrepreneurial spirit and founded Rice & Strand Interiors, a bold move that launched a 30-year career in interior design. Her natural talent, hard work, and eye for beauty made her a standout in the field. She participated in numerous Parade of Homes events-earning awards and accolades-and developed lasting relationships with clients who became dear friends. Her business was a mainstay in the Davis County community and a source of pride and joy, especially during the years she worked side by side with her daughter Kim Strand.

Lois was deeply involved in her community. She served on the North Salt Lake City Planning Commission, was active in the Davis County Chamber of Commerce, and held leadership roles in Soroptimist International, eventually becoming Regional Director-an honor that reflected her commitment to empowering women and giving back. Her spirit of service also extended to her faith; she found great joy in serving in the Bountiful LDS Temple and playing piano for her ward each week, even into her final days.

Later in life, Lois found love again and married Hugh Williams. They shared 25 years together until his passing in 2018. Lois and Hugh loved traveling-often joined by her parents-and they served side by side in many church callings. One of her most cherished experiences was opening their home to several LDS missionaries.

Lois had many passions, among them ballet-an art form she adored and shared with her daughter and grandchildren. She was a longtime season ticket holder at Ballet West and found particular joy in seeing her grandson perform on the same stage she had cherished for decades. Music remained at the heart of her life; a true virtuoso, she played piano throughout her life and delighted in watching her grandchildren, Emmett and Lola, carry on the tradition.

Throughout both the hard times and the good, she leaned most on her family-especially her sister Bobette and brother-in-law Wayne Manzione, as well as her brother Byron and sister-in-law Terri Linford. Their love and support were constant, and they came to her aid many times. She was also deeply grateful for her son-in-law Michael Black, whose care and fierce advocacy helped preserve her dignity during the most difficult moments.

Lois leaves behind a legacy of creativity, resilience, generosity, and fierce love for her family and community. She would want all women to be vigilant about their health, especially encouraging them: "Get your mammogram-even if you're afraid."

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Red Cross or Ballet West in her honor.

Her funeral will be on Tuesday August 12th 2025 at 10am at Southern Utah Mortuary (190 N. 300 W., Cedar City, UT). A viewing will be held prior to the service from 9-9:45 am. Lois will be buried in the Cedar City Cemetery, near her parents, under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary. To view the live stream of the funeral service and share online condolences, please visit www.mortuary.org.