Virgene Williams

Virgene Helen Williams, the daughter of Paul and Neta Davis, was born February 2, 1923, in Mt. Etna, Iowa. Virgene left this earth quietly October 26, 2015, at her daughter’s home in Kingman, Arizona with family at her side, at the age of 92 years, 8 months, and 24 days.
She has gone to receive her reward from Jesus Christ Our Lord, whom she served her whole life. As a young girl, Virgene loved working on the farm with her dad and mom and was so happy when she was able to harness the team of horses and get them ready to work. She also loved school, which she was involved in all of her working life. She attended Corning High School and graduated with the class of 1940. Following graduation she became a teacher of one room rural schools from the age of 18 until her retirement in the early 1960s.
Virgene did find time to fall in love with Harold Williams. They were married May 6, 1942, in Maryville, Missouri, while he was home on furlough. She returned with him to Oregon where he was stationed at that time, living there for one and one-half years before Harold was sent overseas during WWII. Virgene came home to a farm east of Mt. Etna, Iowa, where she stayed with Harold’s parents. She also taught school during this time at Carl #4 riding horseback to and from school. A daughter Janis was born while Harold was overseas in 1943. Harold was honorably discharged in August 1945. Harold and Virgene started faming in 1946 in Adams County, Iowa. Virgene also taught school. A second child, Gary was born in 1947. Virgene taught school the longest at Washington #7. School district consolidation eventually led to her retirement. She had taught her own children, Janis through 8th grade and Gary through 7th grade. After retirement she stayed at home helping Harold on the farm. She also was very active in the community and in the Church of the Brethren, in Mt. Etna, Iowa, teaching Sunday School, keeping the books, cleaning, or anything that was necessary.
Harold and Virgene found time to travel, visiting children and grandchildren around the country. They spent most of their 66 years together at each other’s side, traveling, fishing, camping and enjoying life. Virgine was an avid gardner who enjoyed tending to her flowers and vegetables. In 2011, she moved to Kingman Arizona to be near her children. Virgene faithfully attended the Kingman Church of Christ.
Virgene is survived by her children: Janis (husband Chuck) Wessel of Kingman, Arizona; Gary (wife Jeri) Williams of Kingman, Arizona; Three grandchildren: Jeff (wife Shelly) Williams of Merriam, Kansas; Tracey (wife Mary) Williams of Waterloo, Iowa; Justin (wife Sarah) Williams of San Antonio, Texas; several step-grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren; and sister Alice Toland of Des Moines, Iowa
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; Harold; two grandchildren; and brother-in-law; Kermit Toland.