Henrietta "Etta" Williams

View graveside service video here Henrietta “Etta” Clara Williams age 88 of Cedar Springs passed away Tuesday, April 4, 2023 the Oaks of Belmont. She was born August 17, 1934 in Marion Kansas. (on her mother’s birthday), to Henry and Clara Kohlman, both of German descent, from very large “German Kansas farming families”. She attended a one room school in Olpe, Kansas until age 10, riding her pony to school every day possible. Her Daddy called her Pumpkin which we later shortened to Punk as a family nickname. In 1944 the family moved to La Junta, Colorado where she attended school, and helped on the farm. She had two younger siblings Jerry and Karen, five and ten years younger. In 1947, the family moved to Manzanola, Colorado where she attended high school and after graduation married her high school sweetheart Marvin (Buddy) Ford. Buddy enlisted in the Navy and they moved from coast to coast in the next four years. Etta and Buddy welcomed two sons, Kelly and Kim, both born in California on the naval bases. After military service, Marvin being a skilled carpenter, moved back to Colorado and resided in Colorado Springs, Manzanola, Denver, and Security close to both sides of the family. They welcomed two more children, Karl and Kanda during this time. Etta, (aka “Hank” - short for Henrietta), worked as an El Pasco County Sheriff Dispatcher in Colorado Springs, Colorado from 1963 until 1967 when the family moved to Wenatchee, Washington where Etta continued to work as a dispatcher in law enforcement and then as a District Court Clerk. The entire family moved to Grand Junction, Colorado in 1975 and continued in the home building business and real estate with high school friends Ron and Mary Bonds. Etta worked alongside Marvin in the family construction business doing all of the administrative and financial management tasks. She was affectionately known as “Mums” to all her children. After her children were married and settled with their new families she and Marvin relocated to Arizona where unfortunately their marriage dissolved. Etta re-invented herself; and went to court stenographer school in Arizona. Graduating with high honors, she then worked as a stenographer, and later as a court clerk in the Phoenix Justice system for 20 years. During this time, she met and married Elmer Williams, a Senior Phoenix County electrical inspector. They truly enjoyed each other and were very active in the Sun Valley Square Dance Club of Arizona, touring much of the southwest for dances and celebrations. After both of their retirements they moved to Woodland, Washington to be near her younger son Karl, However, in 1998 Elmer passed away suddenly in an unfortunate accident. She lived with her son and family for a few years but then decided to move back to Colorado and resided in Pueblo and then Canyon City being nearer family and friends. In 2012 she along with more than one truck load of her treasures found their way to Michigan being very near her daughter and son in law: Kanda and Brad and their children,. With many different moves in her life, she very much enjoyed living in new areas; as well as meeting and making new friends. Etta was a master gardener and enjoyed raising chickens, rabbits, even goats and any lost or stray animal that needed a home and a bite to eat. She always had a small or large garden depending upon what was available and loved to can her bounty to mostly give away. She also loved to collect domestic treasures and was known for being a “Picker” in today’s terminology, but she just referred to it as “my junk”, seldom parting with any of these treasures. It seemed like every time she moved one or more U-Haul trucks was involved. Etta was known for her artistic talents, she painted in oils on canvas and saw blades, loved to tole paint on any media, and sewed quite artistically during her square dance days making many, many beautiful dresses and suits for her and Elmer. It was in her nature to craft on all types of projects. Being a devoted disciple of The Lord Jesus Christ and born-again believer; she gave unselfishly to her church, community outreach and was a counselor for many in need and troubled young women. She welcomed the homeless into her home and provided any resources she had at her disposal to people in need. She was truly a caregiver. She is survived by 4 children, 7 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren; one sister and many nieces, nephews and their families. As her little sister I remember her telling me stories of helping to care for me as a little child. As young adults we shared household tasks and the care of children of similar age. As older adults we shared many enjoyable pastimes, travels, and old lady syndromes. This is making me sad but yet feeling so fortunate that my Sister was such a positive influence in my life. I love and admire her zest to be of good nature and devotion to making family and friends a central feature in her life all with the love of Christ in her heart. A family graveside will be held on Thursday, April 6 at Solon Township Cemetery, Cedar Springs, MI with Pastor Jason Peterson of St. Peter Lutheran Church officiating. Arrangements by K.E. Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs.