Zelma Rose Williams

March 14, 1917

May 18, 2012

Zelma Rose Gold Williams, 95, of Port Angeles, passed away on May 18, 2012 due to complications following a stroke.

Zelma Rose Gold Williams was born March 14, 1917, to Hyrum and Rose Gold, and was raised on a homesteaded farm in Mountain View, Alberta, Canada. She learned firsthand that survival depended on hard work and determination. Her mother died when she was just seven years old. She left home as a teenager to go live with her beloved Aunt Alice in Seattle. There, she attended beauty school and became a hairdresser, a skill which served her for her entire life. She became a naturalized citizen in 1943.

Zelma met and married Eugene Williams in 1941. They lived in Port Angeles and enjoyed raising their son and daughter at homes in Port Angeles and Fairview. As a family, they loved camping and fishing at Lake Crescent and the Elwha River.

Zelma ran Zelma's Beauty Shop in downtown Port Angeles for many years, and then later worked out of her home. She loved and stayed in touch with her many customers.

Zelma loved homemaking. Her wonderful rhubarb and pumpkin pies were highlights at family holiday gatherings. She was an accomplished painter, and even sold some of her detailed landscapes of mountain scenery. Her hands were always busy. She crocheted beautiful tablecloths and lace trim, and hand stitched quilts. She also loved her garden, tending roses and displaying huge bouquets throughout her home.

Zelma is survived by son Gary (Marilyn) Williams, of Quilcene; daughter Cindy (Tim) Grenz of Salem, Ore.; sister Bea Kuenzinger, of Concord, Calif.; and half-sister LeReine Hormann of Waco, Tex, as well as six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Zelma lost Gene in 1997. Strong and proud, she remained in her home, and lived independently until the time of her death. Her parting words were, "I'll be just fine." Judging by the rest of her life, that certainly will be the case.

A private graveside service will be held for Zelma at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choosing.

Harper Ridgeview Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.