Linda Kay (Childers) Williams

Monday, May 4, 2009

Feb. 10, 1943 - May 2, 2009

PARKS -- Linda Kay (Childers) Williams, the only child of Russell and Martha (Linin) Childers, was born Feb. 10, 1943, at Corpus Christi, Texas, where her father was stationed in the U.S. Navy. She died Saturday, May 2, 2009, at her home near Parks at the age of 66.

During World War II, Linda lived with her parents at Corpus Christi; New London, Conn.; Jacksonville, Fla.; Olatha, Kan.; and Bird City, all before her fifth birthday. After her father received his honorable discharge for 11 years of service, Linda moved with her family to a farm southeast of Bird City. She attended school at Bird City and was a member of the graduating class of 1961.

Linda loved anything associated with music. By the time she reached the fifth grade, the music teacher asked her to play piano for the vocal music class. She also played piano at the Lutheran Church for Sunday school.

In high school, Linda played trumpet, bassoon, the French horn, snare drums, the piano, and organ, and also sang in both the high school and church choirs. In addition to her musical abilities, Linda enjoyed acting and participated in three high school plays. She was also a high school cheerleader for three years.

Linda was baptized into the Lutheran Church on March 6, 1943, at Corpus Christi, and was confirmed at St. John's Lutheran Church at Bird City by Rev. Ralph Radloff, in 1957. Her membership was transferred to Zion Lutheran Church in Benkelman in 1979.

Upon graduation from high school, Linda furthered her education at Kansas State University at Manhattan, Kan., and then attended the McCook Beauty Academy in McCook. She was a licensed hairdresser in Kansas, Nebraska, and Colorado. She worked for several years in McCook, Benkelman and Denver. Linda also worked at the Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Denver where she taught ballroom dancing.

In March of 1968, Linda married David Ferguson after he returned from Vietnam. They lived at Merced, Calif., where David was stationed at Castle Air Force Base. Upon his discharge in 1970, they moved to David's hometown of Omaha, where Linda worked as a nurse technician at Immanuel Lutheran Hospital on the Medical-Surgical floor. Linda loved working there and said it was the more rewarding work she ever did. Linda and David divorced in 1972 and Linda moved to McCook.

On July 30, 1973, Linda married Larry L. Williams at Las Vegas, Nev., and they resided on a farm west of Parks. Their greatest blessing came on Oct. 13, 1974, with the birth of their daughter, Courtney Sue. She was cherished by both her parents and grandparents alike.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Russell and Martha Childers; and her son-in-law, Richard Jones who died of cancer.

Those who survive her include her husband, Larry Williams of Parks; her daughter, Courtney Williams and husband, Brad of McCook; three grandchildren, Lexis Jones, Krayten and Korbin Williams; and other relatives and friends.

A graveside inurnment was Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at at the Bird City Cemetery.

Memorials may be given in her name to either Zion Lutheran Church in Benkelman or St. John's Lutheran Church in Bird City.