Kathleen Williams

Kathleen A Williams (Murfield)

You probably knew her as Kathy, but we knew her as mom, wife and grandmother. She was the oldest sister of six, an aunt to many, and a friend to co-workers and church members. Saturday, January 21, 2023 while wearing her pink party pj’s, she left her loved ones to be with God and join her parents, Lake and Dorothy Murfield, as well as her sister, Pauline Blassl.

Join us on Friday January 27th; at St Michael’s Catholic Church; Sioux City. Visitation at 9:00-10:00 am; mass at 10:00 am. As we celebrate her life with this final send-off, she orchestrated. Luncheon to follow mass in St. Michael’s Fellowship Hall, burial to follow at 1:00 pm Memorial Park Cemetery.

Kathy never wanted to be the life of the party, but always wanted to be at the party. Whether it was coffee with one of her kids, a sister’s lunch, shopping with her girls-where many laughs took place, a grandchild’s play or birthday party, family get-together, hospice volunteer errand or a coffee cupcake date with her life-long friend Julie, she was “in" for anything that allowed her to spend time with people she cared about and gave her a chance to laugh.

She was born Feb 25,1947. After graduating from Heelan High School in 1965, she married Jerry “Skook” Williams, who was the love of her life for 59 years. Together they raised three amazing children, built a solid home together and later traveled to different places. One of her favorites was camping in Okoboji by the water. Most notably, they tackled Mount Everest!

Kathy held many different jobs as a waitress and volunteered as a school aid. She finished her working career with Pech Optical where she made a host of friends and retired after 20 years. After retiring, she discovered volunteer work with Hospice of Siouxland and the Altar Society of St. Michael’s Church. There, she was a life-long member. She spent countless hours running errands for those in need and meeting many new friends along the way.

But let’s talk about her love for her family and God, where she felt most blessed in her life. Supporting, loving, guiding and teaching her children is what she treasured most! All those she led, feel blessed to have been loved by her. From her, they learned to walk in the light that is in front of them. Kathy taught them valuable life lessons - how to dust yourself off and carry the cross of others when they need it most. She was gifted in offering a word of support and encouragement to those who needed it. She spent her time handwriting birthday cards and notes for each family member every year, there was always a batch of cards sitting on the buffet to be mailed.

Kathy’s faith was strong. It guided her the last 5 years, battling leukemia, despite doctors only giving her 2 years of life expectancy. God wasn’t ready for her yet, so he gave her “extra mileage” and she used every extra minute to grow closer to God. Kathy never wavered in her faith, through it, she grew stronger than ever as she grew near to God and understood His plan for her in the final days. With full confidence, knowing God was there waiting for her, she was at peace.

Her memory and stories will be shared by: her beloved Jerry “Skookie” Williams of 59 yrs; daughters Dori (David) Gass; Debbie (Ron) Smith; son Jerry Lee Wiliams, Jr.
Grandchildren: Courtney Smith, Zachary (Taylor) Smith, Elijah (Sarah) Smith, Noah, Naomi (Gabe) Rizzo, Nathaniel, Lydia, Levi, Liam and Gianna Smith. Jonathan Gass and Jerry Lee Williams III
Great grandchildren: Oliver Rizzo and Teddi Belle Smith
Siblings: Michael Murfield, Patty Woods, Matthew Murfield and Teresa Fitzgibbons. Brother-in-law: Ron Williams

Family requests in lieu of flowers a donation can be made to Trinity Heights Queen of Peace https://www.trinityheights.com/ or St. Croix Hospice House https://www.stcroixhospice.com/ or June E.Nylen Cancer Center https://www.nylencancercenter.com/donate

Her family wishes to extend huge gratitude to June E. Nylen Cancer Center and St Croix Hospice. Their endless and tireless love, support and comfort made a dramatic impact in her journey.