Ann Lawson James

Ann E. James (89) of Logan passed away peacefully at LDS Hospital in SLC surrounded by loved ones on Friday, February 3, 2023. A beloved daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend, Ann loved all those close to her fiercely.
Ann was born January 20,1934 in Palo Alto, CA. Nicknamed “Haunie” by her sister, she was the youngest child of William Henry and Eva Beth Davenport Lawson and was raised in California. She moved to Utah and worked as a key-punch operator at the Ogden Defense Depot, where she met Jerry Heiner. They married in 1954 and raised their two daughters, two stepchildren, and many Siberian Huskies in Brigham City, UT. When her daughters became teenagers, she started working for Northern Utah Glass in Brigham City, where she worked for many years. Ann and Jerry divorced in 1981.
A dear friend introduced her to a tall, handsome man, Wilford James; they married on August 6, 1983, and were later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. Ann was very happy with her loving husband and was blessed with three adult stepchildren. Ann and Wilf lived in Clearfield, UT and Great Falls, MT, before settling down in Logan, UT.
She was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who converted to the church as an adult. Ann and Wilf faithfully worked at the Logan Temple for many years. Ann served in many callings in the Johansen Park Ward; she especially loved serving as a nursery leader.
Ann was kind and compassionate. She read the Daily Word faithfully and showed her love of Christ in her words and actions. Ann remembered everyone’s birthday and sent a special “love you heaps & bunches” or “love you tons & grundles” message in a card for each one. She was a very organized and self-sufficient woman who enjoyed living independently until the end. She had many hobbies, including traveling, playing golf, working in the yard in their beautiful garden, watching the Colorado Rockies and Utah Jazz; she dearly loved the ocean and water activities. Ann kept her hands busy with crocheting and sewing and her mind sharp with crossword puzzles and trivia game shows. She told great stories and had an infectious laugh.
Ann was full of joy and love; her family and friends are grateful for the time they had with her and know she is happy to be with her beloved husband, family, and friends who passed before.
Ann was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband, Wilford James; “baby Ann” Heiner, who passed shortly after birth; her brother Richard “Dick” W. Lawson; her sister Doris Lawson McPherson; her half-brother Carl Lawson; son-in-law Steve Brown and daughter-in-law Jean Heiner.
Ann is survived by her daughters, Shellee Brown of Winfield, KS; Lesa (Dave) Dean of Teasdale, UT; her sister C. Alice “Howdy” Lawson Andersen; her stepchildren from her first marriage, Cheryl (Dave Harris) Heiner of East Helena, MT; Alan Heiner of Morgan, UT; her stepchildren from her second marriage, Brenda (David) Larsen of Henderson, NV; Doug (Laurel) James of Centerville, UT; Michael (Kristy) James of Ocean Shores, WA.; and many loving grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Special thanks to the staff at LDS Hospital and Inspiration Hospice for their excellent care and compassion at the end of Ann’s life. The kindness shown to Ann and her family will be remembered.
Services will be held Saturday, February 11, 2023 at 11:00 am at the Mount Logan Stake Center, 650 E. 100 S. Logan, UT. A viewing will be held from 9:30 – 10:30 am. Interment will follow at the Richmond, Utah Cemetery.
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