MARION – Wanda Lou Williams, 85, passed away quietly Jan. 27, 2014. She was born Nov. 13, 1928, in Okmulgee, Okla., to Charles Ted and Reba Sowerwine Ball. On Nov. 13, 1947, she married Ralph M. Williams, who preceded her in death April 16, 2003. Upon losing her parents at age four, she was raised by her maternal grandparents, Joseph Perry and Nora Sine Sowerwine. After graduating from Van Buren High School in 1946, she married the love of her life, Ralph M. Williams, a World War II Merchant Marine and aspiring mortician from Fairmount. Together, she and Ralph envisioned and implemented business ventures, first owning the Kyle & Williams Funeral Home in Alexandria. Their family moved to Grant County in 1956, owning and operating the Broadmoor Motel, Azar’s Big Boy and various realties. In the 60s and 70s, they developed apartment projects, Williamsburg on the Wabash in West Lafayette and Park Jefferson and Castle Point in South Bend. In the 80s and 90s, the two continued to work together in Ralph M. Williams & Associates, pursuing the hotel industry in Florida, North and South Carolina and Indiana, which included the Comfort Suites of Marion. With a career spanning 60 years, she retired from their business in 2007. When not working in her home office, she raised four children. Known for extensive volunteerism and philanthropic endeavors, she served as both president and board member for the following organizations: Marion YMCA, Marion College League of Community Women, Marion Philharmonic Guild, Research, Altrusa, and Portfolio Clubs and the Grant County Chaplaincy Program. She served the General Federated Women’s Club both locally and nationally. In 1994, she received the Athena Award for a woman excelling in leadership and professional accomplishments from the Marion Grant Chamber of Commerce. A long standing member of the First Christian Church, she served as a trustee, deaconess and board secretary. In recent years, she devoted her time and energy to the Wilson-Vaughn Hostess House as a president and board member as well as serving as a board member of the Community Foundation of Grant County. Surviving are four children: Kenneth (and spouse Peggy) Williams, Carmel; Rebecca (and spouse Jon) Marler and Kevin (and spouse Deena) Williams, both of Syracuse; and Brent (and spouse Vicki) Williams, Fishers; 11 grandchildren whom she adored and was equally adored by: Megan (and spouse Bradley), Brianne (and spouse Michael), Ashley (and spouse Scott), Jon Jr, Jason, Scott (and spouse Jillian), Lindsi (and spouse Chris), Brandon (and spouse Desa), Austin, Evan and Alyssa; 10 great-grandchildren: Carter, Andrew, Chase, Owen, Emily, Coralee, Nadahlia, Ralph, Tyler and Mason; and belove nieces, nephews and numberous people who called her friend. She was also preceded in death by a sister, Anna Mary (and spouse Ray) Forst, and a brother, Loren “L.G.” (and spouse Margaret Ann) Wilshire. The family is grateful for the loyal services and friendships of Bob Finney, John Finney, Glynae McKee and Ruth Cuevas. Private services will be Thursday with the Rev. Rob Schwarze officiating. Burial is in Grant Memorial Park, Marion. Calling is from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion. ***** Memorials to The Hostess House, 723 W. 4th Street, Marion, IN 46953. Condolences may be sent via www.nswcares.com
