Mary L Williams

Mary L., daughter of William (Bill) Harvey and Amelia Frances (Goebel) Ross was born August 25, 1918 ten miles northwest of Alva. She passed peacefully with her children by her side at Share Convalescent Home on Sunday, June 19, 2016 at the age of 97 years 9 months and 25 days. Mary was raised on a farm 10 miles NW of Alva. She was the oldest of 4 brothers and 1 sister. She would help her father in the field as well as helping with the younger children. Her parents would hold barn dances in their big barn to help with living expenses. Mary attended the Capron Public Schools, she loved horses, playing basketball and dancing. On July 4th 1939 she was united in marriage to (Elmer) Ray Williams. They had three children, Rita, Lois and LaDonna. Mary and Ray farmed and ranched 25 miles northwest of Alva and in 1946 moved to Hardtner, Kansas. They would spend there summers on the farm NW of Alva and later traveled the country harvesting all the way to South Dakota where the Williams' owned farm land. Mary worked part time at the Hardtner Sundry and would do ironing for Hardtner residents. In 1963 she purchased the Hardtner Sundry store. Mary worked long hours with no vacations to support herself and children. In 1971 Mary sold her business and moved to Alva, Ok. She had a couple of jobs in Alva then worked for Share Hospital until her retirement. Mary enjoyed traveling with her youngest daughter and family on their vacations and attending Clint's football and Jodie's basketball games. In Mary's later years she spent her days at the Alva Senior Citizens Center. She loved walking to the Center, helping in any way she could, eating lunch and playing pitch. That was her very favorite. In 2011 Mary moved to Share convalescent to live. She loved playing cards and drinking coffee at Share. . Mary was preceded in death by her parents, an infant sister Minnie Mae, 4 brothers Jack Elmore, Tom William, Teddy Eugene and Billy Max Ross. She is survived by her daughters, Rita Ann and her husband Mike Wolgamott, Lois Jean and her husband Garold Gum, La Donna Faye and her husband Eddie Cushenbery. Grandchildren Michael and Lisa Wolgamott, Willis and Marti Wolgamott, Jason and Dolly Woodle, Gail and Lonnie Bliss and Caleb Gum and Doug and Tonya Gum, Clint and Leah Cushenbery, Jodie and Royce Terrill. 17 great grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the Alva Senior Citizens of Alva or your favorite charity through Wharton Funeral Chapel.

Mary L Williams

August 25, 1918 - June 19, 2016