Elsie Lorene Williams

Elsie L. Williams, 99, passed away at home in Andover, KS, on February 6, 2020. Elsie was born December 21, 1920, to Henry and Katherine Schwindt in a house outside of Gridley, KS. At the age of 15, she moved to Topeka, KS to live with her sister Mary and brother-in-law Art Jones, where she graduated from Topeka High School. On February 23, 1949, she married Paul F. Williams and they had a daughter, Paula. Before Paul died at the age of 54, he and Elsie celebrated 25 wonderful years together. Elsie later retired from civil service with the United States Department of Agriculture. She was well known for her love for Jesus and her church. Especially dear to her were her grandchildren, traveling around the world even to Russia where her parents immigrated from a German settlement, fishing with her best friend Betty, cooking, and sewing. She loved making pies for Pastor Appreciation month, and caramel pecan rolls for family, friends, and the Teen Auctions. In the summer she loved swimming with Gail in her pool. After the age of 95, she became an avid quilter and completed her last one for her great-great grandson born in November 2019. Elsie’s friends and family were blessed by her vibrant spirit, laughter, and tireless shopping. She also loved cheering for her two favorite teams, KU basketball and the Kansas City Chiefs, Super Bowl Champions 2020. Elsie was preceded in death by her husband, Paul, her parents, and her 12 older siblings. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Paula and Jerry Martin of Andover, KS; two grandchildren and their spouses, Bill and Pam Martin and Julie and Jeff Hill of Wichita, KS; eight great-grandchildren, Lauren Miller and her husband, Carson Miller, Bailey Fimreite, Sarah Martin, Ben Martin, Bryce Fimreite, Blake Fimreite, Vivian Hill, and Colton Hill; and one great-great grandson, Lincoln James Miller. She is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews. The funeral will be held Saturday, February 15, 2020, at 11 a.m. at Wichita First Church of the Nazarene, 1400 E. Kellogg Dr. with visitation preceeding at 10 a.m. The graveside service will be Monday, February 17, 2020, at Memorial Park Cemetery, 3616 SW 6th St., Topeka, KS, at 1 p.m. A memorial has been established in Elsie’s name for the Questers Sunday School Class, Wichita First Church of the Nazarene.