Velma Williams, neé Horton, was born on October 29th, 1914, in Interior, South Dakota, the daughter of Charles and Elza (McFarland) Horton. She, along with three siblings, Lona, Charles, and Virgil, all of whom preceded her in death, grew up on the family ranch some eight miles south of Quinn, SD. She attended Big Foot School just a few miles north of Big Foot Pass, and later graduated from Wall High School in 1935. As a young girl, she loved the ride to and from school on horseback.

In early 1944 she met Jesse Williams at a dance in Cottonwood, and they were married in Rapid City in October, 1944, after which time she moved to the Triangle Ranch south and west of Philip. One son, Virgil, was born to the union in April of 1946. During the many years that followed, she was very involved in activities at the Methodist Church in Philip. More locally, she served on the Grandview School Board until its eventual dissolution in the late 60s. She was an accomplished knitter, crocheter, and seamstress, and always had a project or two or three going. She was also an excellent cook and was well known for her angel food cakes, fried chicken, and potato salad.

After Jesse’s retirement in the early 90s, the two of them moved into Philip, where they lived until Jesse needed nursing home care due to Alzheimer’s. She continued to live in Philip for five years before going to be with Jesse in the Kadoka Nursing Home. Her husband Jesse preceded her in death on March 15, 2008. 

She is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Virgil and Myra Williams, of Muscat, Sultanate of Oman, one sister-in-law in Wall, and numerous nieces and nephews on both sides of the family. 

Memorial services were held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 26, at the United Church in Philip, with Pastor Kathy Chesney and Pastor Gary McCubbin officiating.

Interment will be at a later date at the Triangle Ranch Cemetery west of Philip.

A memorial is established to the Kadoka Nursing Home Sprinkler System Fund.

Cards may be sent to Virgil & Myra Williams, c/o Kenny & Lyndy Ireland, 23950 Recluse Rd., Philip,SD 57567.

MEMORIAL SERVICES
Saturday, November 26, 2011 - 2:00 p.m.
United Church
Philip, South Dakota

CLERGY
Pastor Gary McCubbin
Pastor Kathy Chesney

MUSIC
Marilyn Millage - Pianist
Vint Ireland & Lyndy Ireland - Vocalists
“Saved By Grace”
James Nelson & Ashley Ireland - Vocalists

Congregational Hymn
“Blessed Assurance” 

USHERS
Marty Hansen - Wesley Nelson

HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance

INTERMENT
Triangle Ranch Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota