Rosemary Ann Williams

Rosemary Ann Williams, 87, of Goshen, died early Wednesday morning, November 30, 2011, at IU Health Goshen Hospital after a one week illness. She was born May 4, 1924, near Goshen, to the late Earl F. and Esther Marie (Swihart) Phillips. She married Dean Williams on August 26, 1945. He died May 17, 1992. She then married Donald Cripe on July 11, 1998. He died August 10, 2001. She is survived by two daughters, Randa Eby of Lee's Summit, Missouri, and Linda (Stephen) Garber of Middlebury; a son, David N. (Jean) Williams of Middlebury; eight grandchildren, Lori (Troy) Cripe, Tyler (Heidi) Garber, Andra (Bruce) Lewin, Ross (Kelly) Garber, Tara Rose (Jonathan) Whitley, Rebecca (Travis) Hostetler, and Donald and Andrew Williams; seven great-grandchildren, Ross Whitley, Gage, Malia, Ella, Lucas, Anna and Allie Garber; a sister, Erdene Mishler of Goshen; a step-daughter, Patsy (Lonnie) Rossow of Rivera, Ohio; a step-son, Larry (Jean) Cripe of Goshen; six step-grandchildren; and nine step-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Helen Steffen and Louise Hostetler; and a brother, James Phillips. Mrs. Williams worked as a secretary at Northridge High School. A 50 year member of the Middlebury Church of the Brethren, she was a former Stephen Minister and deacon and just recently authored the church's history for its 100th anniversary celebration. She also served on the Northern Indiana Women's Cabinet for the Church of the Brethren and on the Heifer Project Board where she organized several quilt auctions. A 1942 graduate of Goshen High School, she served on the class reunion committee. She was also a member of the Greencroft Auxiliary for 40 years; the Elkhart County Home Extension Club for 50 years; and the Goshen Garden Club. In 1986 she was named Senior Homemaker of the Year for Elkhart County Extension Homemakers. A trained hospice volunteer she cared for nine patients. Mrs. Williams was a serious genealogy researcher. Friends may call 6-8 p.m., Thursday, December 1, 2-4 and 6- 8p.m., Friday, December 2, at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, and one hour prior to the 10:30 a.m., Saturday, December 3, 2011, funeral service at the Middlebury Church of the Brethren. Pastor Dan Petry will officiate. Burial will follow in West Goshen Cemetery, Goshen. Memorial contributions may be made to Heifer International, Camp Mack or Middlebury Church of the Brethren.