Lori Lower Howells

Lori Lower Howells, 61, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on January 14, 2025 after a year-long battle with brain cancer.

She was born in Logan, Utah to Larry and Marilyn Lower on April 1, 1963. She was the youngest of 6 children.

She graduated from Sky View High School in 1981 and earned an associate’s degree from Ricks College in 1983. She attended Utah State University and then completed the Medical Assisting Program at Bridgerland Applied Technology College.

While attending Utah State, she met the love of her life, Mark Howells. They were sealed in the Logan, Utah Temple on February 15, 1985. They had four wonderful children: Ashlie, Wendy, Tyler, and Stacey.

Lori worked as a medical assistant for Dr. Craig Armstrong for many years. She truly enjoyed working in pediatrics. Later, Lori decided to leave pediatrics to work alongside her parents and brother at Lower Foods. As part owner, she took great pride in hard work and developed a deep love for both the business and the people she worked with.

Lori served in many church callings throughout her life. Her last calling was serving alongside her husband in a Utah State YSA ward. Many cherished friendships were created there. Lori constantly served those around her with Christ-like love.

Above all, Lori loved her family more than anything and was fiercely devoted to them. Her greatest joy was to be called Grandma. Oh how she adored Kinsley, Oakley, Colter, Kason, Bridger, Rhett, Brooklyn, and Tucker.

Lori absolutely loved Bear Lake. Whether she was water skiing, wake surfing, or watching her grandkids on a tube, she took pleasure in being out on the family boat. When the snow fell, she was just as eager to hit the mountains. She enjoyed both skiing and snowmobiling. Lori was very active and always looking for adventure. It was a priority creating memories with her family, and her family will treasure those memories forever. Her soul deeply connected to nature, and nothing brought her more happiness than fishing in the breathtaking wilderness of Alaska with Mark. They cherished every trip together!

Lori is survived by her husband Mark, her children: Ashlie (Clay) Barker, Wendy (Ryan) Swaner, Tyler (Briana) Howells, Stacey Howells; eight grandchildren; her siblings: Jan (Kent) Linford, Kristie (Bob) Rogers, Alan (Laura) Lower, Jay Lower; and brother-in-law Wayne Samsel.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Russell and Marilyn; and her sister, Julie Samsel. 

A viewing will be held Friday, January 24, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and again on Saturday, January 25, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Funeral services will be held in her honor on Saturday, January 25, at 11:00 a.m. All events will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Smithfield 7th Ward building, 79 East 200 South, Smithfield, Utah.

The family would like to express heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Intermountain Medical Center in Murray, the Huntsman Cancer Institute, the Craig Nielsen Rehab Center, and the Hope Lodge. Special thanks to friends and family who have shown love and support during this time. Lori loved and cherished everyone she met.

Funeral services can be accessed via Zoom link:

https://zoom.us/j/99010871661?pwd=abHCwEumfcgXIGXignaCegoW5Vaeoz.1