L. Marilyn Williams

Born October 26, 1929, Marilyn was the youngest and last survivor of four children belonging to James A. and Sylvia Moots. She was raised in Lakeview, Ohio in the resort area of Indian Lake. Most of her early life’s recorded memories and pictures were lost in a house fire. Listening to her stories, she conveyed a happy childhood and openly confessed that her older siblings, who had lived through very lean years, spoiled her. She played the flute and trombone and tried her hand at archery. She worked in town and in her off time, she and her girlfriends enjoyed boating and swimming and all the activities the “Lake” afforded. The one story she ever told that marred her carefree teens, was of her rescue from drowning in the Lakeview Harbor.

It was around Indian Lake that Marilyn met the love of her life: Don David Williams. The formula was simple. Don owned and ran a local airport and flight school. Her brother, Carl was one of his flight students. Carl introduced Don to his beautiful sister. Within six months and with both families’ blessings, Don and Marilyn eloped on October 11, 1949. They were married 67+ years.

Marilyn and Don started their marriage at the “Lake.” Don’s career with American Airlines dictated moves to New York City, Cleveland, Ohio and finally Mundelein, Illinois. It was the last stop where they built the family home on a little lake called Loch Lomond. They moved to Mundelein with two daughters, Aaris and Robin. Their third daughter, Amy, arrived in 1962 thus completing the family inner circle.

Marilyn managed her house and made it a home. A devoted wife, she and Don worked hard as a team for their family. One specific goal – a college education for their daughters. She considered herself a “plain cook,” but the meals always tasted good. She was prolific as a seamstress. From her sewing machine came fun costumes, matching outfits for the grandchildren, and formal living room drapes. She was a bowler, an artist and a number cruncher in a bank. Marilyn attended every wedding, graduation and was present for every new baby until she was unable. Her family’s history was recorded in 52 albums with pictures and handwritten descriptions of the people and events important in her life. The photo albums are a true family treasure. She strove for perfection. She did have one independent passion, and its name was “golf.” As her family grew up and left the nest, she could be found on the golf course up to three times a week – rain or shine. She liked to drive from the men’s tees and preferred to walk rather than ride the course. She had numerous trophies attesting to her skill of the game including club champion. Even at the age of 92, her apartment reflected her tidy nature: clean, folded and everything in its place.

It is hard to talk about Marilyn without including Don. They belonged to the United Methodist Church. They participated in church activities, but their many personal acts of kindness and support behind the scenes touched many more lives and hearts. They were people of action and cultivated lifelong friendships. They travelled extensively and a wrong turn on the highway was termed “taking the scenic route.” A sense of humor was a main ingredient in their relationship.

The first 33 years of retirement, Marilyn and Don divided their time between Wauconda, Illinois and Jensen Beach, Florida. A final move to Papillion, Nebraska took place in 2016. Shortly thereafter, Marilyn and Don were separated by his death – May 17, 2017.

Devoted, Competitive, Gentle, Strong Willed (BHM), Gracious, Kind, Street Smart, And Beautiful all describe this wonderful Lady.

Marilyn is survived by her daughters: Aaris (David) Leahy, Robin (Jim) Anderson, Amy (Ken) Kliesner. She was blessed with eight grandchildren: Samantha (Campbell) Steele, Matt Leahy, Erin (Alan) Grubb, Lucas (Lela) Anderson, Chelsea (Casey) Kettler, Aaris (Matthew) Nespor, Ryan (Megan) Kliesner and Patrick Kliesner. She welcomed nine great grandchildren: Mac, Soran, Augie, Mary Jane, Sam Grant, Kate, Charlie, Henry, and Sylvia. She is also survived by her sister-in-law: Anne Kirkendall of Merritt Island, Florida. Marilyn has many nieces and nephews around the country. All knew her love.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband, Don David; her parents; her sister, Mildred “Imogene” Moots; her brothers, Carl and Ray Moots; her sisters-in-law, Kathleen Moots, Grace Needles, and Helen Haney; three brothers-in-law; Max Needles, Chuck Haney, and Tim Kirkendall; her niece, Nancy Lutz; and nephews, Phil Needles, Steve Needles and Joel Lutz.