Jeanette Williams

Jeanette Evelyn Williams was born August 31, 1921 in Russell, Minnesota to Joseph and Carrie Augusta (Nelson) Peterson. She grew up on the family farm a mile west of Russell, attending school in Russell. On January 11, 1939 Jeanette married Alfred Williams in Brookings, South Dakota. Their union was blessed with seven children and 40 years of life together. Except for a year living near Milroy, the couple farmed near Russell, purchasing the home place in 1947. In March 1964, Jeanette went to work for Lyon County Social Services. She was the first homemaker hired on a pilot program in the State of Minnesota, and eventually became a supervisor over a three-county area. Alfred died February 20, 1979 and Jeanette built and moved into a new home in Russell. She retired in 1984. In retirement, she volunteered many years at the hospital Thrift Store in Marshall, Minnesota. After losing her house to fire in 2009, she moved to Boulder Estates in Marshall. On Saturday, August 17, 2013 Jeanette died at Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center at the age of 91 years, 11 months, and 17 days.

Jeanette was a member First Presbyterian Church, now Grace First Parish, in Russell. She had served as an elder, a member of Presbyterian Women's Association, and a Sunday school teacher. Her interests included quilting, gardening, playing cards, bowling, and embroidery. She traveled on numerous bus tours and enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren.

Jeanette is lovingly remembered by her children, Marian (Wayne) Livingston of Russell, Marlo (Cece) Williams of Russell, Arden (Aloa) Williams of Russell, Richard (Melanie) Williams of Russell, Karen (Darrel) Johnson of Balaton, Michael (Arlene) Williams of Russell, and Steven (Elise) Williams of Russell; 22 grandchildren, 45 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren; a brother, Loyal Peterson of Mesa, Arizona; and many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Alfred; grandsons Mark and Chad; her parents; six brothers; and one sister.

Blessed be her memory.