Geri Williams

Geri Williams passed away from acute kidney failure on November 1, 2026, peacefully at her home, surrounded by her children and grandchildren. Geri was born on June 9, 1944, in Dearborn, Michigan. Throughout her life, she was known for her kindness, compassion, creativity, and unwavering devotion to her family. She had a remarkable gift for making the world around her more beautiful and the lives of those she loved a little easier.

Geri's early years were not easy. Frequent moves between Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, along with the demands of working on a farm, taught her the value of hard work, perseverance, and resilience. She graduated from Meadville High School in Pennsylvania and moved to Utah to attend Brigham Young University.

In 1965, Geri married Roger Williams in the Salt Lake Temple, beginning a life together filled with family, friendship, service, and shared adventures. During their early years of marriage, they lived in Phoenix, Chicago, and Oregon, traveling from one chapter of life to the next in their trusty Volkswagen Beetle before finally settling in Sandy, Utah. They adopted and raised their two children, Rennly and Connon, who became the center of Geri's world. She devoted herself wholeheartedly to motherhood, creating a loving home and finding countless ways to support and encourage her children. Later, one of Geri's greatest joys was spending time with her grandchildren, whether as a babysitter, chauffeur, or host of a sleepover with late-night cartoons and too many treats. She treasured those everyday moments together and the opportunity to be part of their lives.

An artist with a beautiful singing voice, Geri expressed her creativity through many mediums. Always challenging herself with something new, she made colorful leaded-glass windows, paintings, an elaborate miniature Christmas village, and hundreds of intricate counted cross-stitch masterpieces that reflected her remarkable patience and attention to detail. A certified Master Gardener, Geri also spent countless hours with Roger transforming their home and gardens into beautiful, peaceful spaces, as well as serving for several years on the Sandy City Beautification Committee, including as chair.

Service was a natural expression of Geri's generous spirit. She volunteered extensively in her church, civic groups, and at her children's schools, never seeking recognition. Whether she was helping with an activity, creating elaborate background murals for school plays, directing church roadshows, making homemade chicken and dumplings for the sick, entertaining friends with elaborate Asian dinners, or just quietly stepping in wherever she was needed, Geri gave freely of her time and abilities. When she did make time for herself, she loved puzzles and mystery novels, amassing a collection of hundreds of books.

But more than her many talents, accomplishments, and acts of service, Geri will be remembered for the way she treated people. She was conversationally curious, genuinely interested in what her family and friends were up to, with a natural ability to help people feel seen. Refreshingly blunt and irreverent, Geri was profoundly kind and compassionate, always anticipating what someone might need or how to relieve a burden. Her love was expressed not only in words, but in countless thoughtful gestures, generous acts, and quiet sacrifices. Despite her challenges, Geri led a well-lived life sharing laughter and care wherever she went.

The family would like to thank those who cared for her at St. Mark's Hospital, and especially hospice nurses Kate, Randi, and Jacey who cared for her at home.

Geri was preceded in death by her husband, Roger Williams; her mother, Edna Ivalene Wright; her sister, Kathleen Munday(John); and her grandmother, Nina Freed.

She is survived by her daughter, Rennly Williams (Tom Hickenlooper), and grandson Matthew Williams; her son, Connon Williams (Sally), and grandchildren, Philip (Kendra), Scott, Reagan, and Ally.

Visitation services will be held Monday, November 9, from 6:30 – 8 p.m. and Tuesday, November 10, from 10 – 10:45 a.m. at Larkin Sunset Gardens (1950 E 10600 S in Sandy, Utah). Funeral services, also at Larkin, will be held afterwards at 11 a.m., followed by interment at Salt Lake City Cemetery.