Elizabeth "Betty" Merle Williams

ELIZABETH “BETTY” MERLE WILLIAMS, age 90 of Elysian, died on the morning of Monday, November 29, 2021, at her home.

Born in Citronelle, Alabama on August 18, 1931, Betty was the daughter of Joseph Richard and Lois Merle (King) Miller. At age 14 her family moved to Elysian. She graduated from Waterville High School with the class of 1948. On August 30, 1950, Betty was united in marriage to Willard Williams at the United Methodist Church in Morristown. That same year she graduated from Mankato Teacher’s College and accepted her first teaching assignment in Janesville, MN: a class of 32 fifth and sixth graders! Betty accompanied Willard as he completed his years in the military and enjoyed several different jobs during that time. She later completed her four-year teaching degree, graduating Magna Cum Laude from MSU in 1974. Betty made her career teaching for 25 years at the elementary school in Eagle Lake. Betty would tell you, though, that her most important job was that of a farmer’s wife and mother--generously defined! She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, reading, solving crossword puzzles, square dancing with Willard, playing cards with the neighbors, and being involved with the Elysian United Methodist Church. She will be greatly missed.

Betty is survived by four children, Mary (Leon) Williams of Northfield, Sarah Williams of Olympia, WA, Jim (Sue) Williams of Elysian, and Joe (Sheryl) Williams of Elysian; nine grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Joanne Hill; her last surviving cousin, Shirley Causseaux of Clewiston, FL; and many precious nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her brothers; and sisters-in-laws, Joe (Lena) Miller, Donald (Alberta) Miller, and David Miller; and Marguerite (Malcolm) Marsh.

A public visitation will be held from 10:00am until 12:00pm on Thursday, December 9, 2021 at the Elysian United Methodist Church. From an abundance of love and a desire to protect one another, Betty’s family asks that friends and family all wear masks and practice appropriate social distancing during the visitation.

A private family funeral service will be held, with interment to follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Elysian. In lieu of flowers, Betty hoped memorial gifts would be directed to the Elysian United Methodist Church.

Following the funeral service, a video recording of the service will be available within 24 hours on the Dennis Funeral Home website. Friends, neighbors, and family are invited to a food-based Life Celebration of Betty being planned near her August 18 birthday! Please look for details in the future.