Connie Louise Williams, 76, passed away peacefully at her home on Oct. 7, 2024. She was born in Great Bend, Kan., Aug. 18, 1948 to Otto Oetken Jr., and Betty (Truxall) Oetken.

She married George Rickey Williams on Feb. 9, 1974. They celebrated 5O years of marriage this past February surrounded by family and friends.

Connie was a Mims, Fla. resident for the past 17 years fully enjoying her retirement from the trucking industry. Her and her husband Rickey moved back to Florida over 30 years ago and drove as a team throughout the continental United States until they retired. She made many friends throughout the country in their travels.

Connie enjoyed spending time with her family and was an avid collector of ornamental keepsakes. One of her favorite places to spend time was in her “Florida sun room” where she managed her plants, flowers, and butterflies. She was particularly fond of her pets, especially her dogs Gracie and Ceasar. Connie was full of passion in everything she did. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Survivors include, husband Rickey Williams of the home; children, Pasa Williams of Mims, Fla., John Williams of Great Bend, Kan., Shawn Williams and his wife Michelle of Titusville, Fla., Pat Russell and his wife Mary of Alabama; brother Ron Oetken and wife Connie of Olmitz, Kan.; four grandchildren, Austin Brown, Connor Williams, Kirstin Williams, and McKayla Williams; and four great grandchildren, Oran Brown, Kenton Williams, Reeslyn Williams, and Rilynn Williams. She was preceded in death by her parents and son Brandon Williams.

Services are pending.

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Oct. 17, 2024