Maydell Hunter Williams

Our darling mother, Maydell Hunter Williams passed from this world to the next on February 28, 2023. While we are heartbroken at her unexpected passing in her sleep, we treasure the thought of her being reunited with her loved ones on the other side.

Maydell was born on October 28, 1946, in Cedar City, Utah. She was adored by her mother, Mauna D, older sisters, Carolyn and Darlene, and equally cherished by her younger siblings, Vern and Markaye. She and her brother and sisters have stayed close their entire lives. Maydell spent time in her youth living with her Grandma & Grandpa Pete, and Aunt Mabel in the Kanarraville area.

From a young age Maydell loved music. She grew up on Jim Reeves and The Everly Brothers. As a teen in Vegas, she founded and was President of the first ever fan club for Wayne Newton, and even danced with him. She also loved Elvis Presley and collected his memorabilia over the years (she was sure she was going to get rich off of his stamps in the 90’s and rushed to the post office to buy several sheets). Her affection for her favorite singers have been passed down several generations, and music snobbery in the Williams kin is a common trait. 

Maydell married her sweetheart, Verde “Ace” Williams on October 7, 1967. Together they created a blended family and were blessed with 8 children, three from her first marriage to Dennis Drake: Darlene, Kevin, and Debbie, two boys from her everlasting marriage to Ace: Kyle and Kelly, and three more from their union: Shanea, Kade, and Savannah. 

Maydell was well known for her over-the-top sense of humor. She loved pulling pranks and was the queen of April Fool’s Day. But Halloween was her favorite and she went over the top with unparalleled decorations. Neighbors were wary of walking by the house in October, as there was often a mannequin in the window, legs sticking out of the chimney top, and an old man mask worn to greet trick or treaters.

Because Ace was a truck driver, and she had a bunch of kids to entertain, we were often taken on adventures around town. She loved going on walks through cemeteries and reveled in discussing and visiting places related to serial killers, polygamy, and local lore spots like Kay's Cross, The Dog Eaters House, and terrified us all with tales of The Hindy-Behind and The Leg. 

Mom opened her home to everyone. There was always room for more and each and every person always has a unique and memorable story about Maydell. As their children became adults, Mom and Dad hosted weekly Sunday dinners. Routinely a key ingredient would be forgotten, and Ace would be sent to the store to do her bidding. He was sure to always bring back a bag of ice and a coke for Mom, complete with a straw. These dinners grew and evolved over the years to include extended family, kids, grandkids, great-grand kids, and friends of all of the above. We would gather in the cozy living room all squished in on couches, chairs pulled from the kitchen, the floor, and as a family: watch the newest baby kick on the ground, play Hide-the-Head, tell stories, and laugh until we cried. 

Mom and Dad took us on countless camping trips. It started in tents and graduated to trailers, but  no matter the shelter, she delighted in getting away from it all. Days spent reading true crime or old Catherine Cookson books, cooking over the fire in a dutch oven, and enjoying the beauty of the Uintahs, Moab, and Ghost towns. She loved visiting family in Southern Utah and Vegas. Most of our “vacations” were spent with cousins, exploring the outdoors with them and making memories. In 2011, we were invited to stay in Dad’s childhood home in Kanarra, and for the next nine summers we spent many weekends bonding at our home away from home. It was a precious time. Mom and Dad recalled endless details from their childhoods and shared them with us. They took us to the landmarks from their youth. We explored Turtle Cave, Kanarra Falls, Spring Creek, Red Reef, Little Jamaica, Zion, The Virgin River, Kanarra’s Dance Hall, The Horse Ranch, and played on the Witches Hat. These moments are twinkles in a lifetime that are solidified forever in our hearts. 

Oh, how she loved babies. Her grandkids were her life. She loved spending time with them. She rocked them, sang to them, nurtured them, spoiled them. She spent many of her years babysitting and tending her grandkids, while her children went to work. It brought her so much joy. She said, “You can have a perfect home and be miserable with your grandkids in it, or you can choose to live in it and enjoy them!”. She never wanted to miss a thing and called every day to hear the latest stories about the little imps. 

Of her many traits, the one that stands out is her generosity. If you complimented anything she had, she usually gave it to you on the spot. She would drop anything to come to your side if you called and sounded at all distressed. She was authentically herself. She knew her misgivings, and always proclaimed them within moments of meeting you. She was down to earth and did not expect perfection from anyone. She wanted you to be your genuine self too. She was always thinking of others writing cards, buying little gifts, and calling just to check in. There was never a dull moment with Maydell. She made the everyday mundane things fun. 

Part of what made her so hilarious were the lighthearted hijinks she would get herself into. There are dozens of stories including, but not limited to: Exploding a Gallon of Honey in the Oven and Leaving it for Ace to Clean Up; The Polyester/Fireplace Disaster; The Thievery of the Medical Records; The Hitchhiker Who Lived With & Then Robbed Us; and Getting Locked in the Mausoleum, just to name a few.   

We know our Momma is with her sweetheart again, probably making him put up new wallpaper, and picking out a new couch. 

A viewing will be held Sunday, March 5, 2023 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Lindquist's Layton Mortuary, 1867 N. Fairfield Road in Layton. Funeral services will be Monday, March 6, 2023  at 11:00 a.m. at the LDS church, 1589 East Gentile Street, Layton, Utah, with a viewing before from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. The interment will be in Kanarraville, Utah at 3:00pm on March 7, 2023.

Condolences may be shared at: www.lindquistmortuary.com

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