Helen Williams

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Helen Williams was born in Hastings, Iowa on January 10, 1927, the daughter of Orval and Maud Booher. She was Dennis' mother. I could not have asked for a more wonderful mother-in-law. I only wish that she was on this earth longer so that I could have cultivated my relationship with her. And I wish my family could have gotten to know her better - specifically my mother. I know they would have been lifelong friends had Dennis and I met earlier. Helen was married to the late Walter (Red) Williams for 50 years. I never met him, but he was a plumber who loved his beer and she was a very independent strong woman who kept the family of 6 in check every step of the way, even if he was not there to help. She loved him and had 5 children with him: Joyce , Sandy, Dennis, Laura and Tim. She had 11 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren at the time of her death. What an incredible legacy to leave behind! She beat breast cancer early on when I met her. Unfortunately cancer came back later and she had to go through more chemo. She was the picture of strength even when she was ill - you would never know she was in pain, nor would she complain. I met Helen in 2005, on a visit to St Louis with Dennis and Caroline in the very beginning of our relationship. She was very tentative about me at first, which is completely understandable given the circumstances. She asked me a bunch of questions - mostly how I felt about my family, how I valued my family heirlooms, what I valued in life. I didn't realize that she was grilling me - because Helen was so sweet you would never have known it. She wanted to make sure that I was fit for her son. She and I knew each other for less than 10 years, but I know that she loved me and knew that I would love her son the way she would want me to. She had the most gorgeous hair. It was like spun cotton candy, and the brightest white - it was like a snowbank on the brightest of sunny winter days. She called me Deborah, and I never corrected her because it was so cute. She was a pillar in the family - and the kids really loved and respected her - all of the kids right down to the smallest great grandchild. And Crosswords!!! She loved her crosswords. They make my brain hurt, but she could whip through one in no time. White Castle was her favorite! One time when she was in the hospital she asked us to go get them for her. It was the only thing she felt like eating. Helen loved everyone unconditionally - and never judged. I can see so much of her in Dennis. Every Christmas, she would send the best package full of little packages - up to 5 or more per person. They might have a pot holder, or a scrunchie, or a funny t-shirt, or a snuggie in them. She would collect gifts all year long, save them up and then send this bountiful cornucopia of fantastic goodness just in the right time to open for Christmas. I am sad that Helen is gone, but her memory is kept alive daily in all of her children, grandchildren, and now great grandchildren. Her morals, values and beliefs were such an inspiration! I miss her every day.

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