Lynda Black

Lynda Hand Black, 79, passed away peacefully at her home on January 4, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was born on March 30, 1946, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Emerson Stewart Hand and Geneve Glenn Hand.

Lynda cherished growing up as one of seven Hand sisters near the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon, where her childhood was filled with climbing granite boulders, playing in the creek, and forming lifelong bonds with her sisters. She attended Jordan High School, where she was proud a Beetdigger and participated in many activities with her twin sister, Lyle.

On August 19, 1967, Lynda married the love of her life, Owen Black, in the Manti Temple. Their marriage of nearly 59 years was marked by adventure and devotion. Their first home together was a small apartment above a liquor store in downtown San Francisco—an experience Lynda fondly recalled as an “awakening for two young people from Utah, surrounded by hippies, Hells Angels, Vietnam protestors, and the Black Panthers.” It was there that Lynda’s warm smile, infectious laugh, and genuine compassion for others helped her form friendships with people from all walks of life.

Lynda and Owen lived in Idaho and Washington before settling in Springville, Utah, where they raised their three cherished daughters. Lynda was deeply committed to her family and was steadfast in teaching her children the importance of faith in Jesus Christ and the value of hard work.

After moving to Springville, Lynda opened and operated Mrs. Bee’s Preschool for several years. She later found her true calling working on the Children’s Unit at the Utah State Hospital. Drawing from her own experiences with academic challenges, Lynda had a remarkable ability to connect with emotionally challenged children. She poured her creativity and heart into her work—organizing ski trips, designing Halloween costumes, producing shows, and creating memorable bulletin boards that brought joy to both children and staff.

Lynda loved the outdoors, especially camping with Owen throughout the deserts and mountains of Utah and Arizona. Wherever Lynda went, she made lifelong friends. She had a gift for making everyone—friends, neighbors, children, and grandchildren—feel valued, special, and deeply loved. Her grandchildren will miss their “sandbox granny” who would play in the dirt with them and then later pull-out costumes and crafts. She praised the large and small accomplishments with a hug and a loud “good on ya!”

She found joy in gardening, reading, and visiting with her many friends. A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Lynda especially loved serving in Primary and working in the temple. She lived as an example of Christlike love and was a faithful witness of Jesus Christ, whose love sustained her through many trials.

Lynda is survived by her husband, Owen R Black, who devotedly cared for her over the past six years; her sisters: Lyle, Christine and Susie; her daughters Toni (Kyle Patten), Jessica (Kai Bennett), and Amanda (Boyd Meyer); her grandchildren: Mako (Darcie), Parker (Emma), Talon, Kathryn, Ellie, Owen, and Maisy; and three great-grandchildren, all of whom will miss her dearly. She was preceded in death by her parents and sisters: Shirley, Karen, and Margaret.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 10, 2025, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Stake Center, 245 South 600 East, Springville, Utah. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, January 9, 2025, at Wheeler & Sundberg Funeral Home, 211 East 200 South, Springville, Utah.

Condolences for the family may be expressed on this page.