Lillian "Ruth" Williams, 91 of Columbia, Formerly of Centralia, died Tuesday, April 27, 2021

at her home.

Services are scheduled for 11:00 AM at the First Christian Church, in Centralia, on June 12, 2021.

Lillian "Ruth" was born on November 6, 1929 in Mexico, MO.  She was the daughter of James Richard Edwards, Sr., and Dolly (Terrell) Durham.

On February 11, 1947 in Centralia, Ruth married the love of her life, Gerald "G.T." Williams.  "G.T." who preceded her death.

Ruth is survived by her two sons, Gerald Thurman "Jerry" Williams, Jr. and his wife Mimi of St. Petersburg, FL, Michael "Mike" Williams and his wife Patti of Columbia; grandchildren, Daniel, Gerald the 3 ^rd (J.J), Shannon, and Jamie; nine great-grandchildren.  Her best friend, Irene Parks, who helped her tremendously after losing G.T. last year, also survives her.

Ruth was also preceded in death by her parents, brothers James R. Edwards, Jr., Clarence Edwards, and one sister Francis Horn.

Ruth and G.T. moved to the state of California shortly after they got married, 74 years ago.  During that time, she worked as a waitress and monitored testing at the local college, but to her, those were secondary.  Anyone who knew Ruth, knew she felt taking care of G.T. and her sons were her number one priority.  EVERYONE else came first with her.  She was known for saying "I'm ok, I'm ok, don't worry about me".  After G.T. retired, they moved back home to Centralia, where they were active members of the First Christian Church.

Until the last few years, Ruth was an active member of the following:  Garden Club, Craft Club, Red Hats, P.E.O., Church group, and what she referred to as the Coffee girls.  She was always willing to do whatever anyone asked.  Her family often told her she didn't know the meaning of the word "No".  Besides her home, her favorite place was Hawaii.  Ruth and G.T. loved the many trips they were able to make there.  Lastly, we can't forget her frogs.  If anyone ever wondered what to buy her for a gift, we always were safe with "A Frog".  She had them in all shapes and sizes, her collection was even on display at the Museum from time to time.  Her family will never be able to look at a frog without thinking of her.

Memorial donations are suggested to the First Christian Church in Centralia.  They may be sent in care of Fenton-Kendrick Funeral Home, 104 S. Collier Centralia, MO  65240.