Priscilla Madeline Williams

An incredible mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Priscilla (Penny) Madeline Williams passed away peacefully at home on July 15th, 2025, after a prolonged and courageous battle with cancer.

Penny was born to Ellsworth Hanson and Agnes Dietz in Thief River Falls, Minnesota, on September 23rd, 1950, and was raised in Watertown, South Dakota, until leaving home at age 15. Known to many as a traveler, she graduated from high school in San Diego and lived throughout the country, eventually settling in Salt Lake City in the early 1980s and again in the late 2000s. Along the way, she collected lifelong friends—many of whom she corresponded with remarkably regularly until her passing.

Penny was known to all for her quick wit, outspoken nature, unflinching sense of humor, and above all, her willingness to help anyone in need. Whether it was an honest and kind conversation, financial help, an encouraging handwritten card or letter, a place to stay during one of life’s storms, an extra set of hands, a perfectly timed joke to lighten the mood, or a swift kick to the ego you didn’t know you needed—she had a way of making everyone a better version of themselves. To say she will be missed is a profound understatement. She will be forever celebrated.

Penny was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Rick Hanson. She is survived by her son and daughter, Michael (Crystal) Williams, and Carmen Williams; grandchildren: Amy Lemmon, Brooklyn Lemmon, Madeline Williams, Carmen Quebbeman, and Skylar Quebbeman; her brothers: Frank (Tami) Hanson, Jerry Hanson, and Steve Delvo; her sisters, Ellyn Hanson and Carmen Houston; her aunts: Claudia Copitas, Yvonne Meier, and Sylvia Wetzel; her former spouse, John Williams; numerous nieces and nephews, and an endless Rolodex of friends.

In lieu of funeral services, a celebration of life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 13th, at her daughter’s home located at 3855 S 1925 W, Roy, UT 84067. Please join us to celebrate and honor the life of a truly unique woman who undoubtedly impacted all our lives.