Edith Angeline Williams

Edith “Ann” Williams, 78, of Bakersfield, California, passed away at home surrounded by loved ones on Tuesday, December 26, 2017. Fondly known as “Ann” or “Annie,” she was the youngest of seven children born to Sherman Phifer Sr. and his wife, Opal Peterson Phifer, on December 20, 1939 in Benkelman, Nebraska.

Ann resided in Benkelman, Nebraska throughout her youth and attended Benkelman High School. On October 12, 1958, Ann married her high school sweetheart, William E. “Gene” Williams. After marrying, Ann and Gene moved to Denver, Colorado where they welcomed their two daughters, first, Cheryl Ann and shortly thereafter came Kristi Jeanette. In 1960, they relocated to Bakersfield, California where Gene’s family had started a commercial sugar beet harvesting company. Ann was a consummate housewife and mother but once their daughters, Cheryl and Kristi began primary school, Ann took the wheel and drove an 18-wheeler for the family sugar beet harvesting business and did so for many years.

Ann was a member of the Rosedale Church of Christ. She enjoyed attending Church. Ann’s warmth and kindness was exhibited in many beautiful ways. She had a way of making people feel welcome and special. She was dedicated and hardworking, patient and loving. She was a such a special person who always had a sense of humor and made lasting impressions on all who knew her. Ann and Gene were married for 59 years. They loved doing anything as long as they were together. Family was important to Ann and it could easily be argued that her grandchildren called her by the sweetest name she ever knew, “Nana.”

Ann is survived in death by her husband Gene Williams; daughters, Cheryl Chicca and Kristi Frick; grandchildren, Niccole Chicca, Angelina Hall, Giovanna Chicca, Carrye Ann Russell, Lynette Frick, Landon Frick; great-grandchildren, Matilda Russell, Addison Hall, Dallas Russell; siblings, Sherman Phifer, Wauneta Phifer

A Graveside Christian Burial will be held at 2 P.M. Wednesday, January 3, 2017 at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 3700 River Blvd. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations be mailed to National Stroke Association, 9707 East Easter Lane, Suite B, Centennial, CO 80112