Williams, Jean 1933-2004

WILLIAMS, SMITH, DRALLE

Posted By: Barbara Kamradt
Date: 4/14/2004 at 20:32:39

Jean Williams
Wednesday, April 07, 2004

Jean Williams, 70, of Merrill, died Monday, April 5, 2004, at St. Luke's Regional Medical Center in Sioux City.
Jean Marilyn Smith was born Dec. 26, 1933, at Gayville, S.D., the daughter of Martin and Mabel (Dralle) Smith. She was baptized and confirmed at the Mission Hill Congregational Church. Jean attended country school and graduated from Gayville High School as valedictorian in 1951. She went to National Business Training School in Sioux City and later did secretarial work for Corbett & Corbett Attorneys and Fairmont Foods.

On Feb. 6, 1955, Jean was united in marriage to Richard Williams at Mission Hill, S.D. The couple moved to Los Angeles, Calif., where they lived until Richard was drafted into the Army. Jean returned to live with her parents and worked at Gurney's in Yankton, S.D., until Richard returned from duty in Korea when they again moved to California. A few years later, Jean and Richard moved to a farm in the Leeds area of Sioux City and later to their present farm west of Merrill.

Jean was a member of the Merrill United Methodist Church and the Ridge School Women's Club. She enjoyed sewing, reading, crocheting, and crafts.

Jean is survived by her husband of 49 years, Richard of Merrill; two sons, Scott of Des Moines and Larry of McCook Lake, S.D.; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Shirley and Bill Worthen of Myrtle Point, Ore., and Sandra and Don Ryken of Irene, S.D.; a brother and sister-in-law, Gordon and Clare of Yankton, S.D.; four nephews and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Lois Smith and Kay Smith; and a niece, Jodi Ryken.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 Thursday at the Merrill United Methodist Church with the Rev. Benjamin Meeks officiating. Interment will be in the Liberty Township Cemetery. Visitations will be after 2 p.m. today (Wednesday) at the Carlsen Funeral Home in Le Mars with a prayer service at 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be Gary Williams, Richard Kalas, Doug Pruit, Kim Sparr, Russ Schoenharr and Ken Sindt.

Memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society, Diabetes Foundation, Children's Miracle Network, Make-A-Wish Foundation or a charity of your choice.