Gatha Lea Williams, age 96, of Cambridge passed away February 12, 2018 at GracePointe Crossing Gables West. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, February 19th at Strike Life Tributes in Cambridge. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the service.
Gatha Williams was a devoted wife and mother in rural West Virginia. She was a fantastic cook and could make big delicious spreads without fuss. She often cooked without recipes. Pies and homemade bread were a specialty. As children we woke up to a big pan of biscuits, eggs, sometimes fried apple pies, and she wouldn’t let us go to school without eating. She taught all 5 daughters to enjoy cooking. Mother never complained about cooking, cleaning, sewing, gardening, canning, freezing, butchering chickens, or the many other things she did. All those things were just what you did to keep the family going, and she enjoyed it. Our Dad, Herold Shriver, said she was the most content woman he had ever known. Quick to laugh, she really liked people and was very positive.
At age 47 Gatha was widowed with 5 children still at home. She was a woman of faith and relied on God to help her get the children raised. Seven years later David, her youngest, had graduated high school and was headed to college. She came to Minnesota for her daughter’s wedding and met her second husband, Ralph Williams, who had been widowed for two years. She and Ralph were happily married for 19 years and resided in Braham, Minnesota. Three months ago mother moved to GracePointe Crossing in Cambridge. She was a favorite among the staff and residents with her quick smile and kind words. Hers was a life well lived.
Gatha is survived by two sons, Thomas Shriver of Mora, David Shriver of Euless, Texas and five daughters, Linda (Stuart) Chalifoux of Richmond, Virginia, Mary (Steve) Burke of Champlin, MInnesota, Judith (Charles) Hepper of Richmond, Virginia, Martha Shriver of Richmond, Virginia and Teresa (Larry) Luginbill of Harris, Minnesota; three step sons, Paul (Sandra) Williams of Pinellas Park, Florida, Robert Williams of Bloomington, Arlan (Elaine) Williams of Maple Grove, two daughters, Blanche Akkerman-Olson of Mora and Jean (Wayne) Perrins of Batesville, Mississippi. Gatha is also survived by 17 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren, as well as many, many step grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren.
Gatha was preceded in death by husband, Herold Shriver, husband, Ralph Williams, son, Robert Shriver, grandsons, S. Michael Graham, Mark H. Graham, Michael Shriver, Kevin Shriver, step son, Ralph Williams, one sister and three brothers.
Ron Kelley says
Although it’s been many years since I have seen her, I have cherished this lady from childhood. I’ve often said she and her first husband, Harold, had a profound influence in my life. Back in the 1960’s they befriended my parents and helped teach them God’s way of life. So many precious memories of good times at their house in the coal town of Herndon, WV. Back then my family was close friends with all the “Shriver” kids and there were many. David, you were one of my best buddies in the 60’s. I loved Gatha’s home cooking so much and will always remember fried biscuits on her big wood stove. What a treat it was for us all to spend weekends at your home! We climbed the mountain to pick blackberries when they were ready. So looking forward to a glorious future reunion. Love you all so much…
Kathy (Kelley) Kerby says
I echo Ron’s loving tribute… So many treasured memories. What a debt of gratitude we owe this family. Thank you for helping us along through the years as we began a new way of life. Thank you for your friendship (my very first church friends). Though years and miles have separated us, the memories and love can never be removed from my heart. May God comfort each of you during this “temporary goodbye” to your sweet mother. We’ll have a lot to talk about at that future reunion. Love & hugs to you all.