Margaret Williams Obituary

Margaret Williams

December 7, 1946 - September 4, 2023

BLOOMINGTON, Indiana - Margaret (Ann) Williams, a long-time resident of Bloomington, IN, passed away on September 4, 2023, in Lincoln, NE, surrounded in love by her husband, children, grandchildren, sister, and numerous caring friends.

Ann was born on December 7, 1946 in Bellefonte, PA to the late Roy and Jean (Slack) Dunklebarger. She began a lifelong commitment to improving the lives of children by earning her Bachelor's degree in elementary education from Bloomsburg University followed by a Master's degree in early childhood development from Ohio State University (OSU).

During her time at OSU Ann met her future husband, David Ransom Williams, son of Virginia and the late David R. Williams of Elmira, NY. On July 15, 1972, she and David were married in a candlelight ceremony at Trinity United Church of Christ in Centre Hall, PA. Over the next 51 years, she and David drew on their complementary strengths to build a loving marriage characterized by encouragement in their respective professional pursuits and in support of each other.

Ann found great joy and purpose in her decades-long career as a kindergarten teacher. This role enabled her to share her unique gifts of patience, acceptance, humor, and her love of learning with children from hundreds of families of varied backgrounds. Long after she retired, former students and parents continued to express their sincere gratitude for her lasting influence on their lives.

Ann's greatest joy was her family. She was the nurturing mother every child needs and deserves. She gave the precious gifts of support, security, and unconditional love to her four children, Audrey, of Dallas, TX; Natalie (Gilbert Parra) of Lincoln, NE; David (fiancée Meredith Hoberock) of Bella Vista, AR; and Catherine (Jerod Kieler) of Verona, WI. Later in life, Ann enthusiastically embraced becoming a grandmother and developed deep bonds with Olivia and Benjamin Parra and baby Jacob Kieler.

Ann faced the challenges of her life with great courage, faith, and unwavering optimism. Her spirit continues to embrace all who knew and loved her.

Ann is survived by her husband, David Ransom Williams of Bloomington, IN, siblings Michael Dunklebarger (Jackie) of Centre Hall, PA; Sally Arnold (Rick) of Spring Mills, PA; and David Dunklebarger (Mardi Frye) of State College, PA; as well as her children and grandchildren.

A celebration of Ann's life will be held in spring 2024 at Trinity United Church of Christ in Centre Hall, PA, followed by a brief prayer service at Centre Hall Cemetery.