Janet Lisabeth "Lisa" Dunn Riska

Janet Lisabeth “Lisa” Dunn Riska, age 79, passed away peacefully at her home in Draper, Utah, on January 23, 2026, after bravely enduring many years of physical disabilities and dementia. She was surrounded by love at the end of a life defined by faith, creativity, service, and devotion to family.

Lisa was born on September 17, 1946, in Washington, D.C., to Robert Horton Dunn and Janet Girardeau Dunn. She grew up in Alexandria, Virginia, alongside her brother Robert “Bob” Dunn, who preceded her in death. From an early age, Lisa’s energy and determination were evident. She was an accomplished athlete in high school, excelling in basketball and tennis.

She attended Groveton High School before continuing her education at Longwood College in Virginia and later Brigham Young University, where she studied English and education—fields that reflected her lifelong love of language, learning, and expression.

On February 2, 1970, Lisa married Tillman Boxell. Together they welcomed four children: Paul, Anne, Matt, and Kate. Later in life, Lisa found the love of her life and eternal companion, Steven Charles Riska. They were married on June 11, 1998, uniting their families and adding three cherished bonus-daughters—Jana, Brandi, and Darcy—to Lisa’s heart. Together, Lisa and Steve were blessed with 19 grandchildren, each of whom brought her immense joy.

Lisa devoted many years of her professional life to working for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, followed by a successful and respected career in Utah real estate. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she was widely known for her beautiful singing voice and her creative gifts. She wrote, composed for, and directed numerous church musical theater productions, touching countless lives through music and storytelling.

Her compassion extended especially to families navigating life with special needs. This stemmed from her own son Matt’s special needs. Lisa created a website dedicated to supporting families of children with special needs and became a passionate advocate within that community—offering understanding, resources, and hope born of experience and love.

A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Lisa joined the Church as a teenager and remained faithful throughout her life. She served joyfully in many callings, embracing each opportunity to serve. Her testimony was sincere and powerful, and it inspired many who knew her.

Lisa is survived by her beloved husband, Steven; her four children; her three bonus-daughters; and her 19 grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and her older brother, Bob.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel located at 14919 S. Eagle Crest Drive in Draper, Utah. A viewing will be held immediately prior to the service at 9:00 a.m. Interment will follow at the Utah Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery at Camp Williams in Bluffdale, Utah.

Lisa’s life was a testament to faith, creativity, and love. As so many have said, she brought joy into everyone’s life.