Toni Bills

Toni Lee Bills of Layton, Utah, died Sunday, November 16, 2025, at the age of 72. She passed away peacefully surrounded by family after a nine-year battle with Alzheimer's disease and cancer.
Toni was born February 7, 1953, in London, England, to William T. and Rae Brinley Sorensen. Her father was active duty in the U.S. Navy during her birth and throughout her youth. Toni was an only child and had an exciting childhood moving to various locations and learning new cultures and traditions. She lived in Bethesda, Maryland, and participated one year in the White House Annual Easter Egg Roll. She moved to Ewa Beach, Hawaii, for four years where she learned various styles of Polynesian dances including the Hawaiian Hula, Tahitian Ote'a, and the New Zealand Maori Poi. Toni moved from Hawaii and spent her teenage years in Monterey, California, and then to Las Vegas, Nevada, where she participated as a cheerleader at Las Vegas High School graduating in 1971. Her education continued attending Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, earning an Associate Degree of Arts and then to Weber State College in Ogden, Utah, earning a Dental Assisting Certificate.
It was in Ogden where she met her husband, Dennis D. Bills. They were engaged on the Bicentennial 4th of July in 1976 and married on October 15, 1976, in the St. George Utah LDS Temple. Toni was blessed with three children and six wonderful grandchildren. She was also close to six cousins and a sister-in-law who she loved and considered them as her brothers and sisters. Toni and Dennis moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, where Dennis finished school before entering active duty in the U.S. Navy. Their five-year assignment with the Navy sent them to Hawaii and back to the area Toni lived as a young girl. She volunteered her time with several Navy relief organizations and efforts. Toni again shared her dance talents and joined a local renowned Hawaiian dance group performing the traditional Hawaiian 'Auana style hula at many gatherings throughout Oahu.
Toni was always energetic throughout her life and enjoyed working at various jobs. In Ogden, she worked as a Dental Assistant in both office settings and in surgical centers. As their family moved during her husband's Air Force civil service, she was employed in Henderson, Nevada, at an elementary school as a Media Specialist. And in O'Fallon, Illinois, she worked as a Teacher's Assistant at a 6th Grade Center.
She volunteered her service as a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in various teaching and leadership callings within the Primary, Young Women, and Relief Society organizations in both Ward and Stake positions. She was also a member of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers.
Later in life, Toni was diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment. Desiring to help others who may develop early dementia, she volunteered her time to participate in a new drug study. The study lasted nearly seven years and required the drug injection every four weeks. By participating at both the University of Utah and Las Vegas Research Center, she completed the study and the drug was approved by the U.S. FDA in 2021 marking a significant contribution to the study of Alzheimer's disease. Toni was also diagnosed with cancer. These diseases were a challenge for Toni, but she fought them bravely, kept her fun personality, and never let them impact her positive spirit. One of her favorite sayings she heard at an LDS General Women's Conference from Sister Linda S. Reeves inspired Toni to boldly face her trials:
"I do not know why we have the many trials that we have, but it is my personal feeling that the reward is so great, so eternal and everlasting, so joyful and beyond our understanding that in that day of reward, we may feel to say to our merciful, loving Father, 'Was that all that was required?'"
Toni is survived by her husband, Dennis; her sons, Jared (Teresa) Bills and Jordan (Cindy) Bills; her daughter, Staci (Ethan) Mangum; and six grandchildren. She will be loved for her cheerful, fun, and loving countenance. Toni will also be remembered for referring to all as being "A Good Egg"; and reminding everyone that in our Savior's eyes, "You are precious in His sight".
The family appreciates the love of all those who cared and supported Toni these many years. We especially thank her cousins: Jim, David, Robin, Terry, Cynthia, and Holly; her sister-in-law Denise; Symbii Hospice (Cailey and Cassidi); Whisper Cove Assisted Living's wonderful management and staff; and the Layton Parke Ward, Shoreline Stake members.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 29, at 11:00 a.m. at Leavitt's Mortuary & Aultorest Memorial Park, 836 36th Street in Ogden, with a viewing one hour prior. Interment will follow the service at the same location.