09/01/2004
Funeral services for Donna Barbara (Bates) Williams, 61, of Knoxville, who died Sept. 1, 2004
in Des Moines, were held Sept. 6 at Williams Funeral Home.
Pastor Ron C. Wallace officiated.
Interment was in Zion Cemetery in Pershing. Casket bearers were Rob Hughes, Dennis
Williams, Frank Williams, Gerald Williams, and Larry Williams.
Williams was born Feb 25, 1943, in Knoxville. She was one of seven children born
to Marguerite Adeline Roland and Glen Bates.
She attended school at Coal Port Rural
School and in Knoxville. Williams, her four older sisters, Glenda, Pat, Dolly and
Emma and cousin, Jolene sang together many times at the Open Bible Church. She was
united in marriage to Gerald “Gerry” Gene Williams in Knoxville. To this union, two
children were born.
Gerry and Donna enjoyed many days fishing at Rathbun Lake. Various family members
benefited from the results of these fishing trips. Williams spent many hours in
her flower garden She was very artistic: painting, drawing, crocheting, tatting,
making dolls, especially Cabbage Patch dolls, and doing various other crafts. Many
family members have received afghans, tablecloths, and other handmade items for Williams
over the years.
Her family remembers her as being a great cook. She made some of
the best candy around. It didn’t require a special occasion for her to make some
of her delicious chocolate fudge. Williams’ love and commitment to her family were
a priority in her life. She spent several years caring for her aging parents before
their death.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
She is survived by her husband of 41 years, Gerry of Pershing; one daughter, Ginger
Paige of Pershing; one son and his wife, Gerald and Kathy Williams of Knoxville;
five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren and another one on the way; one brother, Robert Bates of Pershing, and five sisters, Glenda Williams of Pershing Pat Wallace, Dolly Anderson and Emma Bates of Knoxville and Dixie Bates of Alpena S.D. as well as many other family members and friends.
Memorials in her memory may be made to the Knoxville Fire and Rescue Unit.
Arrangements were made by Williams Funeral Home.