Mary Williams
January 10, 1933 — February 11, 2014
Mary Ann Williams, 81, of Gothenburg, Nebraska, died February 11, 2014 after a short illness at Gothenburg Memorial Hospital in Gothenburg.
Mary Ann was born on January 10, 1933 to Cobus J. and Hattie (Gerdes) Ostendorf on their family farm north of Willow Island. She was baptized and confirmed in the American Lutheran Church and was a lifetime member. On November 14, 1953 she was united in marriage to Gordon Williams in Gothenburg, to this union two children were born: a son Rick and daughter Marcia.
Mary Ann attended Kearney State Teachers College and obtained her Rural School Teacher's Certificate. She taught in the rural districts until 1960 and then substituted another 1 1/2 years. She then spent her days raising her children and making a home. She found the time to write a column for the Tri-City Trib called "Out My Window" for several years. Being very socially active, Mary Ann greeted new arrivals to the community through the Welcome Wagon. She belonged to the VFW Auxiliary and SSS Club. She spent numerous hours playing cards and visiting with friends.
Survivors include her husband of 60 years, Gordon Williams of Gothenburg, her son Rick Williams of Stratton, NE; daughter Marcia Miller (Greg Nielsen) of Aurora, NE, special daughter-in-law Joyce Williams of Dorchester, NE. four grandchildren Zechariah (ShaVon) Williams of Dorchester, Christopher (Kristin) Williams of Waverley, Stephen (Lacy Bown) Miller of LaVista, Remington (Mandie) Miller of Madison, SD; 3 great grandchildren: Kelton Williams, Raegan Williams, Colten Miller; two sisters Francis Schultz of Gothenburg, Vera Schmitz of Graceville, MN; numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, and extended family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents Cobus J. and Hattie Ostendorf; her siblings, Sophie Brecks, Ida Lindner, Margaret Schnackenberg, Cobus G. Ostendorf, Marcus Ostendorf, Edward Ostendorf, Orville Ostendorf (a casualty of WWII), and three siblings that died in infancy.
Visitation will be held at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Gothenburg, Nebraska; Sunday, February 16, 2014 1:00 pm - 8:00 pm with the family present from 1-3.
Funeral services will be held at American Lutheran Church, Monday, February 17, 2014 at 10:30 am with Rev. Jon Mapa and Pastor Larry Viter officiating.
Interment will follow in the Gothenburg Cemetery, Gothenburg, Nebraska.
Memorials may be given to the American Lutheran Church, 1512 Avenue G, Gothenburg, NE 69138, Faith Chapel, 520 9th, Gothenburg, NE 69138, or Gothenburg Volunteer Fire Department, 602 Tenth Street, Gothenburg, NE 69138. To sign the online guest book, go to www.blasestrauser.com.