Elizabeth Kay Williams (Sheldon), 74, of Missoula, Montana, peacefully returned to her loving Heavenly Father on May 23, 2026, with family at her bedside, in a Bountiful, Utah, hospital after a short illness.
Elizabeth was born January 13, 1952, in Boise Idaho, to Virgil and Mildred Sheldon (Hayden). As the oldest of seven children, Elizabeth, along with her siblings Virgilie (Pinky) Wheeler, Virginia Sheldon, Sam Hayden, Lou (Dennis) Swart, Clyde Hayden and Albert Hayden were raised on a ranch near Dillon Montana. She graduated from Beaverhead County High School in 1970. During her younger years Elizabeth excelled at ranch work, especially riding horses, working the land, and raising her first love, pigs.
On April 23, 1977, she married David Michael Williams, joining their two families. He couldn’t resist her beautiful sky-blue eyes, and four more children came from this union, bringing their family to ten children; Mary, Ken, Jacci, Jana, Kristy, Klay, Mike, Paul, Lyle and David A. They were later sealed in the Logan Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Elizabeth was always a hard worker, doing whatever she needed to do to keep her family afloat and thriving. She did everything from selling Mary Kay products to early morning newspaper routes to working for the city of Missoula. She shared her warmth, humor and love generously, always ready with a quick wit and a plethora of stories. Even amidst the challenges life brought her way she continued to give to others.
Elizabeth was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, serving others in many axillaries. She served faithfully in many callings throughout her life, always willing to lend a helping hand wherever she was needed. Her testimony of the gospel and example of service touched the lives of family members, friends and neighbors alike. With a large family tree and a family consisting of both blood ties and bonds of the heart, her reach was far and wide. Family was the most important thing to Elizabeth, and she cherished the time she spent as a devoted and loving mother to her children and as a second "mom" to many of her children's friends. Her home was always open, her table always had room for one more, and her love extended far beyond her immediate family.
Elizabeth enjoyed being outdoors, camping and taking in nature. She was an avid gardener, enjoyed canning, reading, quilting, genealogy, and crocheting. She generously shared her talents with family and loved ones. Above all else, her family, especially her sweetheart and grandchildren, were the light of her life. She took great pride in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, finding joy in their successes and comfort in the time they spent together. She treasured every visit, phone call and family gathering and delighted in watching her posterity grow.
We are heartbroken at her loss. Her laughter, wisdom, stories, and unwavering love will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She leaves a void that can never be filled; however, we are comforted in knowing that Families can be together Forever.
Though her earthly journey has ended, her legacy of faith, hard work, resilience, and love will continue through the generations she leaves behind.
Elizabeth is preceded in death by her son Michael Thomas David Williams, Grandchild Kaden Ray Williams; her mother Mildred Joan Hyde; Father Virgil Oren Sheldon; brother Clyde Hayden, and brother in laws Floyd Wheeler (Pinky) & Dennis Swart.
Elizabeth is survived by her husband of 49.5 years David Michael Williams; children: Mary (Dave) Montgomery; Kenneth (Kathleen) Williams; Jacci (Sam) Bass; Jana (Jared) Jenkins; Kristy Long; Klay (Cara) Williams; Paul (Carli) Williams; Lyle (Avorie) Williams; David A. (Alicia) Williams; 63 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles. She has a large posterity.
I started working on this piece after the funeral. I wanted to get my feelings out somehow, and talking felt wrong. There are many things about Grandma Liz that stand out to me. The things she loved, the things she did, the people she surrounded herself with. Memories that stand out the most to me almost always revolve around the garden though. The liliac bushes she had for years. The big yellow rose bush that tried very hard to take over the path to the garden. The way she smiled and laughed. In my mind, in my memory, this is how I see her.
