Betty (Ryan) Williams
Des Moines
Formerly of Madrid
Betty (Ryan) Williams passed from this life peacefully on Tuesday, January 22, 2013, at Mercy Hospice in Johnston. Per Betty's request, cremation rites have been accorded. The family will greet friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on Monday, January 28, at Iles Funeral Homes, Sundberg-Kirkpatrick Chapel in Madrid, where a brief informal service celebrating Betty's life will begin at 7 p.m. A private interment will take place at Bethlehem Cemetery in Slater at a later date.
Betty was born the daughter of Elwood "Pat" and Ruth (Swan) Ryan on February 21, 1939 in Kelley, Iowa. She grew up and went to school in Madrid, where Betty was a 1956 graduate of Madrid High School. On July 3, 1959, she was united in marriage to Dennis Williams and their marriage was blessed with four children. They made their home in Madrid, Iowa, for several years before moving to Des Moines in 1991.
Betty's greatest joy in life was her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Dennis Williams of Des Moines; two sons, Scott (Rita) Williams of Ames and Tim (Shannette) Williams of Hartford, IA; sister, Sandra (Mark) Parsons of Cyprus, CA; brother, Richard "Dick" (Rayla) Ryan of Woodward; seven grandchildren, Christina (Josh), Taylor, Travis, Trey, Ryan, Alexis and Gentry; and three great-grandchildren, Steven, James and Alyssa. Betty was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Leroy Ryan; and two daughters, Kimberly Denise and Sherril Denise.
The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Mercy Hospice in Johnston for making Betty's final days comfortable. They are angels who do God's work here on earth.
Memorial contributions may be made to either:
or Planned Parenthood of Central Iowa.
Published in Des Moines Register from January 25 to January 27, 2013
