Patricia Ruth Williams (known to her family as simply “The Queen”), 90, of Washington, died at 3:30 p.m. Saturday at Daviess Community Hospital. She was a resident of Prairie Village Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
Born Jan. 22, 1925, in Washington, she was one of three children born to the late William E. and Goldie (Devine) Raney. Both of her brothers preceded her in death, Donald “Dink” Raney and Eugene Raney.
Pat was a 1943 graduate of Washington High School. She was married Dec. 29, 1945, to Joseph “Fred” Williams who died May 14, 2000. They had three daughters, Dianna Thompson of Washington, Brenda (Lou) Stumpp of Pittsboro, and Linda Cahill who died June 21, 2012.
For 33 years Pat worked as an operator and supervisor for Indiana Bell Telephone Company. She was a member of Bethel United Methodist Church, life member of the Telephone Company Pioneers, and one of the first volunteers for Life Line in Washington. Pat spent her time visiting nursing homes and with her family and friends. She is survived by seven grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren. Pat held a special place in her heart for Oscar Parker, Phil Gray and Pastor Doug Wallace whom she treated as if they were her own sons.
Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Ed Lee Mortuary. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home, with Pastor Bruce Mowery officiating. She will be laid to rest at Sugarland Memory Gardens in Washington.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Prairie Village and Daviess Community Hospital. Your compassion, kindness and support were very appreciated over the last few months.