Leesa Gene Williams Kays

Leesa Gene Williams Kays passed away peacefully at her home in Layton, Utah, on March 10, 2026. She was born on October 28, 1959, to Carl Williams and Paula Gene Williams. Leesa was the eighth of fourteen children.

Leesa graduated from Layton High School in 1977. She married Charles Kays in 1982, and although they later divorced, they shared many memories together over the years.

Throughout her life, Leesa lived in Layton, Utah, as well as Wasilla, Alaska, and Snohomish, Washington. She loved fishing, gambling, and traveling, and she cherished time spent exploring new places and enjoying the outdoors.

Leesa adored her “fur family” and had a deep love for her animals. She was also the best auntie to her nieces and nephews, always bringing warmth, laughter, and kindness to those around her.

A passionate reader, Leesa read everything from cover to cover—magazines, news articles, and books of all kinds. Her curiosity and love of learning were evident to everyone who knew her.

Leesa was known for her intelligence, quick wit, and heart of gold. She made friends easily and left a lasting impression on everyone she met. Her warmth, humor, and generosity will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Leesa is survived by five sisters: Shelley (Les) Gravis, Jacalyn Kelly, Kathryn Lupton, Wendy (Robert) Lane, and Carrie (Kirt) Bosch; and four brothers: Tom (Sherrie) Williams, Cal (Kathy) Williams, Wes (Stefanie) Williams, and Ryan Williams; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Paula Gene Williams; four brothers, Layne Williams, Paul Williams, Douglas Williams, and Clayton Williams; one sister-in-law, Deborah Williams, three nieces, Holly Lupton, Rebecca Random, and Katie Williams; her great-niece, Lily Brimhall; the love of her life, Kris Redal; and her cherished fur babies, Missy, Pongo, and Harley.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Leesa’s memory to the ASPCA, the Humane Society of the United States, or a local animal shelter.

A celebration of life will be held for Family on March, 21 2026.

Arrangements entrusted to Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 N. Fairfield Rd., Layton, Utah.