Sarah Ann Williams

1938 - 2018

Sarah Ann Williams, of Tucson, AZ, passed away Wednesday, January 17, 2018 after a valiant battle against bladder cancer.

She was born August 20, 1938 in Washington, D.C., the daughter of Fred R. Sr. and Annie McClanahan Emswiller.

Sarah Ann is survived by her devoted husband, Lt. Col. William Williams, USAF, Retired; two daughters, Erica Boardman Thomas (Brian) of Myrtle Beach, SC and Carla Boardman Padron (Daniel) of Tucker, GA; sisters, Marian E. Penton and Vickie Helsley (Freddie), both of Woodstock, VA; and sister-in-law, Ella Emswiller Hall.

She was predeceased by one brother, Fred R. Emswiller Jr.

Sarah Ann was a graduate of Woodstock High School, Class of 1956. She also graduated from Ashland College (now University) in Ashland, OH with a degree in Home Economics.

After her marriage to her late ex-husband, Edwin "Ned" Boardman, they lived and reared their daughters in Chester, VA.
Sarah Ann was a devoted animal lover, often rescuing stray dogs, as well as being a breeder of Toy Poodles and West Highland White Terriers (Westies).

She had a successful flag-making business, designing and constructing flags for individuals as well as large corporations such as R.J. Reynolds and Reymonds Aluminum Corp in Richmond, VA.

Twenty-five years ago she made the move to the Tucson, AZ area and was immediately enchanted by the Sonoran Desert, the "living desert", and the great variety of wildlife that appeared in front of her house, coming in from the desert. Coyotes, Javalinas, Gambel's Quails, to name a few, made visits to the Sun City, Del Webb Community. She lived in Tucson City in later years, in her home she had constructed there.

Sarah Ann became a world traveler, touring Europe, Scandinavia, and Thailand; going on safari in Kenya; to China with tours of the Great Wall; boating down the Yangtze River; and visiting the site of the 5000 clay warriors.

She completed a three-month around the world cruise on Holland America Lines, putting into port in many countries, with side trips to India and the Taj Mahal, and several middle-Eastern countries.

Back in Tucson, she joined the ACES Seniors Group, where she served several terms as Secretary and Vice President. She was scheduled to assume the Presidency when cancer took away that option.

Sarah Ann was a previous member of the Tucson Foothills Women's Chorus where she sang Alto. The highlight for her and the Women's Chorus was a trip to New York City where they performed at Carnegie Hall.

According to her wishes, there was no formal service. A family friend flew a plane across the Sonoran Desert while Bill, Sarah Ann's husband, released her ashes to flutter down and forever become a part of the "Living Desert".

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