Leonne Avis Williams, 93, passed away at Sheridan Manor on December 6th, 2017.

 

Leonne, who was a lifelong Wyoming resident, was born in Gillette, WY on May 8th, 1924 to George and Merle Donner. She was raised on the family homestead in Adon, WY where she worked side-by-side with her father, learning how to skillfully drive a team of horses, among other things.

 

Upon her graduation from high school, she completed Normal Training and worked as a school teacher for a number of years at one room schools in rural Wyoming. She then went to work for the Conservation Service, and took various posts around Wyoming, including Powell, Torrington and Wheatland, before finally landing in the Sheridan Office in 1955.

 

It was through a co-worker at her office that she met her husband, Harry Williams. They were married on August 26, 1956, and moved to the Williams ranch at Banner, where they started a dairy farm (Shady Side) with Harry’s parents. They spent the rest of their lives at their home in Banner, raising 3 boys and being the hub for family and friends for many years. Outside of keeping the books for the dairy, Leonne became an accomplished homemaker, joined the Banner Women’s Club, and in 2016 was recognized for having 59 years as a Sheridan County Homemaker. She loved gardening and canning and was well known for her baking. After selling the dairy herd, Harry and Leonne worked at Babe’s Flowers in Sheridan for many years before retiring and visiting friends and family on long summer trips.

 

Harry and Leonne were active in many organizations over the years, but they were especially dedicated to their faith and their membership and support of the First Congregational Church. They were instrumental in helping start the Lunch Together Soup Kitchen over 25 years ago, and Leonne continued to volunteer and serve this organization well into her 80’s.  Additionally, she served on the Sheridan County election board for almost 30 years.

 

She enjoyed many interests and hobbies, especially reading, crosswords and game playing, but her true joy was her family. Leonne greatly enjoyed having family surround her, and her dining room table was the place to be for many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

 

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Harry, her parents George and Merle, and her sister Mildred who passed as a young child.

 

She is survived by her sons Joey (Connie), Louey (Darcy) and Buddy (Allison) Williams; 11 grandchildren, Donald, Chrissy, Nicole, Heather, JD, Sammi, Jamie, Cailin, Nizhoni, Javier and Aiyanna; 5 great-grandchildren, Mariah, Nathan, Karrah, Liam and Caden; her sister June Cuthbert, as well as numerous  beloved nieces and nephews.

 

A viewing will be held at Champion Funeral Home, Sunday evening December 17th from 5-7 PM, with a celebration of life service at First Congregational Church, Monday, December 18th at 11 AM; reception following the graveside service at 2 PM.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the First Congregational Church or the Banner Women’s Club.  Online condolences may be written at www.championfh.com.  Arrangements are under the direction of Champion Funeral Home.

 

Sheridan & Johnson County Obituaries