Lana Jean Topham Roberts left this world and graduated to the next on March 4, 2026, after a brief battle with cancer. She was born in Cedar City, Utah, on June 21, 1947, to Alma and Norma Topham. She spent an idyllic childhood growing up in Paragonah, Utah, and always considered it her home. Being a “Goonah Girl” was the highlight of her life and it was a moniker she carried with her until her last days.
In her twenties, Mom met the love of her life, Gale Roberts, and they were married on August 6, 1973. Their marriage was later solemnized in the St. George Temple. Before meeting Dad, Mom had welcomed two sons, Allan and Jeff, into her life. After their marriage, their family grew with the arrival of Stacie, and later Tennile, completing the family they built together.
Mom enjoyed many activities throughout her life. In her younger years, she and Dad loved trips to Fish Lake, the Grand Canyon, and attending basketball games with her youngest brother and his wife. She took up bowling, and nearly every Monday night, you would find her at the bowling alley for Ladies Bowling, and every Tuesday night for Team Bowling with Dad. Trips with her bowling friends were some of her fondest memories. She was an amazing cook, enjoyed doing puzzles, and crocheting. Nearly every grandchild was the recipient of a blanket that she had crocheted for them. Mom tried her hand at golf, she loved to go to the pool, and in the 90’s and early 2000’s, Mom had a huge love for the Utah Jazz. One of Mom’s favorite traditions each year was watching the National Finals Rodeo. Everyone knew not to call while it was on; if you did, she’d kindly, but quickly, rush you off the phone so she wouldn’t miss it. Whatever mom was into at the time, she put all of her focus on it and loved it to the fullest. Mom was a people person through and through. She loved to sit and visit, whether it was with family, old friends, or someone she had just met. She made many friends throughout the years with waiters and waitresses in almost every restaurant in town. Oftentimes, they would pull up a seat next to her for a minute or two and catch up with whatever was new in their lives at the time.
Over the years, Mom worked in many different roles. She was a school secretary, a cosmetologist, a cashier at Albertsons, and a dental hygienist. Later, she went back to Albertsons, working in the deli.
Mom had a one-of-a-kind sense of humor. She was naturally funny, and her wit was unmatched. She had a gift for making people laugh without even trying, usually saying the most memorable things in the simplest, most matter-of-fact, blunt way.
Mom had a strong testimony of Jesus Christ and the plan of salvation. She loved serving as a missionary at the Home Storage Center in Cedar. Her love for her family and her testimony went hand in hand. She loved her family with her whole heart. Her eyes would often well up with tears of joy whenever a loved one came to visit or when she happened to see them while out and about. Nothing meant more to her than time spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Lana is survived by her sons, Allan (Stephanie) Roberts and Jeff (Danielle) Roberts; daughters, Stacie (Ryan) Peterson and Tennile (Jeramy) Manwaring; as well as 13 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.
Lana is preceded in death by her loving husband Gale; her parents; her sister Patsy; and her grandson Tage.
The family extends special thanks to All Seasons Senior Living and Mission Heallthcare for their care of Mom in her last days.
Mom, you will be deeply missed. We love you. Until we meet again.
A funeral service will be held Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 11:00 am at the Rock Church (75 E Center St, Cedar City, UT 84720). Viewings will be held on Friday, March 20th, from 6:30-8:00 pm and Saturday, March 21st, from 9:30-10:30 am, both at the Rock Church. Interment will follow at the Paragonah Cemetery under the direction of Mosdell Mortuary.

You are invited to watch the services through the Zoom link below.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89747201240?pwd=y3L3QPo1oLsoTReTTlZ2N2Bh69guU3.1

Passcode: 974154