Vera M. Williams

Vera M. Williams of Fremont, formerly of Columbus, died Saturday, October 22, 2011 at the Edgewood Vista in Fremont.

Vera M. Harris was born in Lenora, KS, August 21, 1921. She and her family moved to Grand Island, NE where she received her education and was raised by her loving mother Alta and her stepfather whom she adored, Jens Peter Jensen. Vera married the neighbor boy and her childhood sweetheart, Dean E. Williams. This marriage lasted 66 years until Dean's death in 2002. They moved to Columbus in 1951 where she resided until moving to Fremont in 2005. Vera was a stay at home Mom until her youngest child started school, then she became a grocery checker for Jack & Jill. In 1968 Dean & Vera became the owners of DeanO's Diner where they worked until their retirement. Vera was an active member in the Federated Church for 60 years. She loved volunteering as a "hugger" at Special Olympics. She also was active in the VFW Auxiliary and served a term as President. Vera liked sporting events, sewing, crafts, gardening, and making her grandchildren's favorite "Cinnamon Sticks". Dean and Vera made many friends throughout their lives, including playing with the same pinnacle group for 50 years.

Survivors include her children; daughter Loretta (Gary) Meistrell of Fremont, son Jimmy (Pat) Williams of Irmo, S.C. and son Craig Williams of Columbus; one sister, Lois Scott of Grand Island, NE: brother Earl (Betty) Harris of St. Peter, MO; grandchildren, Chris Wiese of Columbus, Jeremy Williams of Lincoln, Mindy (Jeff) Linden of Gardner, KS, Jessica (Matt) Fickbohm of Fremont, and Trisha (Shane) Williams of Myrtle Beach, S.C.; and seven great-grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Alta and Jens Jensen, her beloved husband Dean, a daughter-in-law Marilyn Williams of Columbus; two sisters, Floy Swisher of WestCliff, CO & Ethel Rohrig of Mitchell, NE.

Memorials may be directed to the Family or Special Olympics.