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.