Joann Alice Williams (81) died peacefully surrounded by many members of her loving family on November 22, 2017, at St. Vincent Hospital in Billings, MT.
Joann was born on May 24, 1936 to Joseph and Dorothy (Larson) Bren in Glendive, MT. She grew up on the family farm near Lindsey, MT and was the oldest of 3 girls. She attended the High Point Rural School through the 8th grade and then went to Glendive and graduated with the class of 1954. Following graduation, Joann went to college in Billings, MT, where she met the love of her life at a dance class. After a whirlwind romance, Joann became the wife of Neil Russell Williams on December 11, 1955 in Glendive, MT.
Neil and Joann made their home in Glendive and Sidney throughout the years until moving to Sidney in 1964, where they have resided since. Their close-knit family included 1 daughter and 3 sons. Joann was a hard-worker and kept the family home in tip-top shape as well as babysitting, working at Bob’s Warehouse Grocery and the M&M Café throughout the years. She loved decorating her home with her collections of bells and angels and seasonal decorations in the picture window.
Joann was a member of the Lonsdale Methodist Church and later the Peoples Congregational Church. She was also a member of the Ladies’ Auxiliary of the VFW and the Moose Lodge where she held many positions in local and state ranks. Joann was an active member of the Moose for 38 years fraternally as well as the social activities of the Moose Lodge. She obtained the three higher degrees of the WOTM and participated in their bowling and dart teams for years. She could be seen at many dinners being a cashier or enjoying them.
Joann enjoyed spending time with family and friends whether just visiting or putting puzzles together or playing cards. She was lovingly referred to as “Granny Alice,” (a nick-name that she hated!) She was also an avid reader and faithful Facebook friend to many. Joann’s greatest joy was watching her kids, grandkids and great-grandkids participate in any school or sports activity where she boisterously cheered them on! She even was awarded a Lifetime Membership for AAU Wrestling.
Joann is survived by her husband of 61 years, Neil; children, Kathy (Rocky) Obergfell, Terry (Luanne) Williams, Curt Williams and David (Colleen) Williams, all of Sidney; 11 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren; sister, Darlene (Chuck) Gardner of Great Falls, Montana; Brother-in-laws, Keith(Marika) Williams and Lyle (Marilyn) Williams; Numerous nieces and nephews.
Joann was preceded in death by her parents; sister and brother-in-law, Bernice and Mahlon Whipperman and infant brother, Gary Neil Bren.