Sophie Williams

Sophie L. Williams, 87, of Ventura, passed away peacefully on September 29, 2012 at Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara, due to complications from a stroke. She was born April 20, 1925, the youngest daughter of Adam and Helen Gulaski, in Hartshorne, Oklahoma, and had been a resident of Ventura for more than 50 years.

Independent, quick-witted and social, she loved work and the freedom it provided, and stayed on the job as a waitress from her twenties to well past retirement age. She had a passion for Country music, always wore heels, appreciated good sarcasm and insisted on living life on her terms. In retirement, she enjoyed lunches with her friends, getting her hair and nails done; playing bingo and simple times she spent with family. She was an avid gardener, and the orchids she grew and shared generously with friends and family, continue to grow and bloom.

Sophie is survived by her son and daughter-in-law Jerry and Sharon Williams; grand-children, Christy Ritner, Tina Koppenjan and Kelly Howell; great grandchildren, Nicholas, Parker and Keely; and all of her extended family in Texas.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Buford F. Williams, who passed way in 1974.

A memorial service will be held Friday, October 5, 2012, 10 A.M., at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park, 5400 Valentine Road in Ventura, with the Reverend Terry Murray officiating.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Rd., Ventura. Condolences may be left at TedMayrFuneralHome.com.