1957 ~ 2026
This Is The Place Park Heritage Park (Pioneer Room)
2601 Sunnyside Avenue, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108Friday Jan 30, 2026: 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Yalecrest Ward Building
1035 South 1800 East, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108Saturday Jan 31, 2026: 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Yalecrest Ward Chapel
1035 South 1800 East, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108Saturday Jan 31, 2026: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Roger Williams Little, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away on January 17, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with leukemia. We are proud of his positive attitude, his determination to give it his all, his ability to rally for those he loved, and his faithfulness to the end.
Roger was born on August 20, 1957, to wonderful parents, Alma Mac Little and June Kasteler Little. June taught him how to pray, nurtured his faith through her example, and instilled in him a love for Joseph Smith and The Book of Mormon, which she and Roger often read together at night. Mac was the provider and fixer, teaching Roger how to be a devoted husband and father. From his father, Roger learned the importance of the priesthood, honoring sacred covenants, and keeping commitments.
As a child, Roger developed Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which he battled from elementary school through high school. Despite his illness, he found joy in many pursuits—a brief stint playing the cello, starring in the ward play You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, building projects with his dad, racing in the Chevrolet Soap Box Derby (where he placed second overall), making homemade gunpowder, and developing a lifelong passion for flying (and crashing) remote-control airplanes. At East High School, he formed close friendships that would last his entire life. Among his friends was a group that created an unofficial club called “Alpha Beta,” with the motto “Alpha Beta, no more date-a; no more money, no more honey.”
Roger was a natural entrepreneur from a young age. After early jobs at Modern Display and washing cars at Hertz for $2 an hour, he decided—with encouragement from his mother—to start a business. With a junker truck, a trailer, and some lawn equipment, he and his cousin formed D&R Lawn Care. Following his mission, the business continued as L&L Lawn Care with his childhood friend.
Roger served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Colorado Denver Mission, where he gained lasting friendships and spiritual experiences that shaped his testimony and outlook on life.
He attended the University of Utah, graduating in 1981 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. That same year, while attending his home ward, he heard Laurie Lindsey speak. His interest was confirmed when his mother elbowed him in the ribs and said, “There’s the girl for you!” A romance blossomed soon after, leading to the most important decision of his life. On September 2, 1981, Roger and Laurie were married in the Salt Lake Temple. Laurie was his number-one priority, and together they faced life with unity, faith, and love.
Roger’s greatest joy was his family. Each child was a treasured blessing—and, given his medical challenges as a teenager, a miracle. He loved spending time with his children and took special pride in home improvement projects (especially those that involved using power tools). He frequently began new projects with the cheerful promise, “It’ll be easy,” though it rarely was. Those shared moments often became lifelong memories.
His happiness only grew as he became a grandfather, affectionately known to his grandchildren as “Bumps.” Roger lived to spend time with his grandchildren – literally extending his life by several years beyond the original prognosis. Together they enjoyed launching two-liter bottle rockets, flying remote-control airplanes at the park, and attending Blue Angels air shows. We all treasured the annual beach trips to Southern California—a beloved tradition started by his parents that Roger faithfully continued with his own family.
Roger was an innovator at heart. The phrase, “so, I’ve been thinking,” followed by his latest idea, was frequently heard around the family dinner table. His ideas were often years ahead of their time, including creating the first website for selling cars online, developing the technology that powers Gmail’s context-based advertisements, and starting Utah’s first electric bike company - 10 years before they became popular!
Throughout his life, Roger served faithfully in many church callings, including Elders Quorum President, High Councilor, Stake Clerk, Bishopric member, Bishop, teacher, Nursery Leader, and Primary worker. Mentored by remarkable leaders, he led and served with humility and devotion.
Roger centered his life on the Savior, Jesus Christ. He loved his Heavenly Father and trusted in His plan for families to be together forever. He loved the Savior, Jesus Christ, and knew that the only way back to our Heavenly Father was through Him. Roger’s greatest desire was to be with Laurie and their family eternally.
Roger is survived by his wife, Laurie; their five children, Heather (Jeff Pickett), Christian (Candace), Aaron (Meredith), James (McCale), and June Anne (fiancé Taylor Zimmerman); and fifteen cherished grandchildren. He is also survived by his five siblings: David (Cheryl), Katherine (Keith Kunz), Rosemary (Dennis Burbidge), Ralph (Nancy), and Byron (April), along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mac and June Little.
Roger always loved a good party. In that spirit, a party/viewing to celebrate Roger will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. at This Is the Place Heritage Park (Pioneer Room). Funeral services will follow on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Yalecrest Ward Chapel, located at 1035 South 1800 East, Salt Lake City, Utah. A viewing will precede the funeral beginning at 9:30 a.m.
I am deeply saddened to hear of this! Every one who knew Roger, loved him. It’s like he donated his life making people feel good about themselves! He will be greatly missed. I met Roger about 36 years ago, as a co-worker and later, a professional business associate, but we were friends from day one!! I’ll miss our meeting for lunches, after he left doing work with / for Great Western. R.I.P. Roger! We love you!!
I had the pleasure of working with Roger for almost twenty years at Ingenix / Optum / United Health. I worked in I.T. and whenever a request came in from Roger I jumped at the chance to assist. It was always a pleasure. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Roger, you were one of the best of us. You’re my hero! Dealing with some of my challenges became easy as I watched your patient and humble strength in your own cross to bear. May the Lord bless your sweet wife and family! We were all blessed by your life and example.❤️
Sister Little, Im so sorry and sad about your husband. Please know I care very much and my heart hurts.
Roger Little has been one of my closest lifetime friends. We were both born the same summer to families living in the Yalecrest Ward (our mothers served in the Primary presidency while expecting us, together with Jeff Woodbury's mother), and we grew up together with a close group of boys, who have remained close all through the intervening decades. That group included Roger, Rod Dunn, Warren Clark, Steve Christensen, Lane Boice (who passed away a quarter century ago), Jeff Woodbury, Mike Vail, and Kelly DeVries, among others. In fact, seven of us had dinner together only a few weeks ago. Roger and I had many adventures together growing up in the old Yalecrest Ward neighborhood, attending weekday Primary classes, participating in Cub Scouts and later Boy Scouts, attending Bonneville Elementary, Clayton Junior High, East High School, and the University of Utah at the same time, going on many campouts, serving in our first priesthood assignments, memorizing scriptures in our old deacons quorum, creating grief for a long stream of intrepid Sunday School teachers, shooting sparrows with wrist rockets, flying remote control airplanes, experimenting with fireworks and other dangerous hobbies, buying and working on our first cars together (including his memorable and beloved Corvair), going on our very first double date together in high school (it was the Seminary "computer dance"), serving full time missions at the same time, and then comparing notes down through the years as we each pursued careers and built families. When Roger had his first bout of cancer as a young boy, we all wondered whether that was the end for him, but he is a true fighter, a warrior, and went on to win battle after battle. With all of his medical trials, he has been the happiest and most optimistic man I know. At our recent dinner, he was as happy and positive as ever, engaging each of the "Yalecrest Ward Boys" in earnest conversation, asking about their lives, and expressing joy in our most recent reunion. God bless the memory of this great friend and exemplar in my life! Our hearts and prayers go out to Laurie and family at this time of graduation of a truly great soul from mortality to immortality. Love from Dan & Julie Gibbons
Our condolences to your family! We will uphold your family in our prayers.
Laurie,
We are so sad to hear about Roger’s death. We consider you some of the best people we know and will be forever grateful for the love and support you showed us when we moved here. Love and support that we still feel.
Please let us know what we can do to help you during this difficult time.
Never a man with more optimism, positivity, and overall cheer. As a young married couple, we were fortunate to be served by and interact with Bishop Little and his amazing wife. To this day, when we think of our future, we think of them as examples of how to pattern our lives. We count the Littles as some of the most influential people in our lives. We are so grateful to have known Roger Little!
Dearest Laurie,
My little note in the mail was in response to my request to Jan Evans to see how I could hear or read your comments on “Fiddler” because you are so thoughtful and such a strong writer. She told me at that time that she would be presenting for you. You were in my thoughts and I sent my note which must have arrived after your beloved husband’s passing. I, too, as one of every couple, know the emotions of separation. One will pass first. The survivor will learn to carry on without one’s best friend and life loving partner. My prayers and needed blessings are with you now and as you “carry on” as we learn to do with faith and hope and a lot of effort. Grief will take its own way— love, Catherine Humphrey Kolmel
Roger was...persuasive, long-suffering, with gentleness, meekness, and love unfeigned; with kindness and pure knowledge, yet without hypocrisy and certainly without guile.
What a lovely man and a strong example for others.
Sorry to hear of Roger’s passing. We had the opportunity to visit with Roger at the 50th East High reunion and catch up on the past while growing up in the neighborhood. The Moffat brothers had good times as friends with the Littles.
It is with the sincerest good wishes we extend our deepest condolences on the passing of your dear husband and father. Roger was my home teacher and was extremely helpful to us when we lost our son, We think with fondness on our interactions with the Little Family. Our sentiments go out to all of you on the loss of Roger, Nick & Sabine Gold
No one could rock a bowtie quite like Bishop Little. His impeccable dress, sunny demeanor, and spiritual radiance were unparalleled. He and Sister Little brought the pure love of Christ to the 9th Ward, and it will never be forgotten.
We love and miss Bishop Little already.
Uncle Roger was a bright spot in my life from a young age. He is someone I will always look up to. Sending all my love to you, family. Wishing I could be there to give hugs in person.
Laurie and family, we love you! You are in our prayers. Roger was a man in whom there was no guile. His courage and positivity in the face of serious challenges helped build our faith and added to our admiration and respect for him and for you who tirelessly fought with and supported him. We know that is not easy. We pray the peace and love of the Savior will bless your lives and bring you comfort as we mourn with you. We know that through the atonement of Jesus and the plan of the Father you will be with Roger again someday.
Roger was as close to being perfect as you can get. A true disciple of Christ. A dear friend. He and Laurie were leaders of our Ward. I will miss him
Thanks to Roger, Laurie and family for being such good neighbors and friends to the Scheffner family. We always looked up to you as a very good example to us. Roger had a wonderful funeral.
Roger was a very kind and gentle soul. His life will always be an example to follow for those of us who knew him.