Ruth D. Williams

Ruth D. Williams, 68, of Elk Point, S.D., formerly of Sioux City, died Monday, May 21, 2007 at Prairie Estates Rehab and Care Center, Elk Point, following a long illness.

Memorial services will be held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday June 26, 2007 at Nelson-Berger Northside Chapel. Online condolences may be sent to www.meyerbroschapels.com.

Ruth was born Feb. 15, 1939 in Tyler, Minn., the daughter of Wendell R. and Edna Cecilia (Shibley) Olson. She lived in Ruthton, Minn., until the age of 18; then she moved to Sioux City and lived here until the age of 63 when she moved to Elk Point.

Ruth graduated from Ruthton High School. She married Darrell Williams in Sioux City. Ruth was employed at Zediker, which later became Karrer King Koin Laundry. She also worked at Shorty's Game Rooms, Serve-Pro Cleaning and Plaza Theaters.

She was active in calling city hall, the KSCJ radio show with Randy Renshaw, as well as KTIV-TV (Kristy) and voicing her political qualms with Vince Farrer. She was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church. Ruth volunteered with the Bancroft School PTA for six years; served on the WCCAA board for 13 years; the Mid-City board for 13 years and the Neighborhood board for six years. The Santa Trolley was her favorite project.

Survivors include a son John L. Williams of Sioux City; a daughter LaVonne (Missy) Williams Long of Sioux City; two brothers Wendell Roger Olson and his wife Leone and Ralph Olson, all of Fridley, Minn.; a sister Doris Olson of North Bend, Ore.; grandchildren Zachery and Nichole Williams, Gavin and Courtney (Benton) Riessen, Kerri Benton, Andrea Klink and Alexis Long; and a great-granddaughter Jaide Riessen.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a son Darrell Williams Jr. and a grandson Jordan Benton.

Honorary bearers will be Mike Weaver, David Olson, Willie Nelson Sr., George Williams Jr. and Willie Nelson Jr.

Memorials may be directed to the family.