Jeanne Afton Lyons

Jeanne Afton Lyons (née Wightman) of Indio, CA was a beloved wife, mother and grandmother. She passed away peacefully in her son’s home with her children by her side on May 9, 2025.

Born in Parowan, Utah, Jeanne was the cherished daughter of the late William Wightman and Jean Wightman (née Thornton). She was the loving sister of the late Jack Wightman (her twin) and Patricia Wightman, and the present sister Linda Chura and brother Edward Wightman. She is preceded in death by her beloved, Paul A. Lyons who left 19 years before.

Jeanne is survived by her two children: Linda Riden (Chad Riden) and Paul Lyons.

She was the proud grandmother of 5 grandchildren: William Riden, Sean Riden, Caitlin Riden, Julia Lyons and Colin Lyons. She was also the aunt to numerous nieces and nephews who she absolutely adored.

In her early years, Jeanne worked at the famed S.O.S. Drug store in Springville Utah, she was a stewardess for American Airlines (back when people dressed up to fly!) and various other stints in retail and real estate. She also supported many charitable organizations such as Las Candalistas and The South Bay Kiwis.

Jeanne loved her husband, the travels and adventures they had together, and the kids and grandkids brought into their lives. She also loved her chardonnay, anything sweet and magazines.

Jeanne’s words of wisdom, sense of humor, positive and encouraging attitude, and steadfast devotion to her loved ones will be dearly missed.

Family and friends are invited to Jeanne’s graveside service, Friday, May 23rd, 10:30 AM at Desert Memorial Park, 31-705 Da Vall Dr, Cathedral City, CA. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jeanne’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association online at alz.org or by mail to 320 Nevada St. Suite 201, Newton, MA 02460. —or to the Wings Foundation. Checks would be made out to The Wings Foundation with “Kiwi Memorial ~Jeanne Wightman Lyons” on the memo line and sent to Wings Foundation, Attn: Kazumi Chapa, P.O. Box 610563, DFW Airport, TX  75261

“You take yourself wherever you go”-Jeanne