Mary Beth Williams

Mary Beth entered her heavenly home on October 12, 2023 in Sun City West, Arizona. She was born on April 10, 1930 in Trenton, Nebraska to Fred and Freda (Andorka) Shaffer. She grew up in Trenton, graduating high school with the class of 1947. She later earned, with honors, a degree in music and art from a Liberal Arts College, together with education and psychology. She was awarded the Outstanding Student in Education and Psychology.

On April 2, 1949, she married her classmate and "the love of her life", Curtis Williams. They were blessed with two children, Cathy and Jeff. She and Curt were married for 71 years until his death on March 29, 2020. Adjusting to Curt's many assignments with the Bureau of Reclamation, she laughingly referred to her "job description" as: "making a house a home"! and her whole life she continued this labor of love, seeing that Curt and their family were loved and cared for. Jesus, Lord and Saviour, was a welcomed guest in their home and the beacon for their family.

Mary Beth loved to laugh. Growing up in a large family with a wonderful mother, Freda, she experienced the joy of laughter. She also learned the real meaning of two very special and useful little words: "I care!". She enjoyed being "one of the kids".

Her hobbies were many and varied. She loved playing the piano, organ and other musical instruments, singing, arranging music, reading, interior decorating, playing games, fixing big family dinners, tending her flower gardens, arranging flowers, teaching and having good times with good friends and family. She especially enjoyed times she and her husband, Curt, spent together going to church activities, traveling, riding their bicycle built for two, taking their horses to the mountains to ride and picnic and they spent many fun filled hours taking lessons to prepare them for square and round dancing.

Music was a big part of Mary Beth's life. She shared her love and knowledge of music with her choirs and many others. She truly believed "music made the world a better place".

About her teaching: She worked diligently to make a difference, no matter how small, when equipping the unique personalities that crossed her path with the tools needed to "cope" with everyday life.

Mary Beth's observation about people: arrogance is not an attribute to be admired, it takes the good, dedicated, responsible, hard-working, ordinary people to balance the human race.

Proceeding her in death were her husband, Curtis, mother Freda, seven brothers and sisters, various aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Mary Beth is survived by her children, Catherine Williams of Sun City, Az, her son Jeff (Debbie) Williams of Wasilla, AK, six grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and one sister, Verdene Cantrall of Trenton.

A private family service will be held.