Shirley Williams

Of Woodbury MN died peacefully
in her sleep March 9, 2013
surrounded by her family after a brief illness.

Shirley Ann was born June 4, 1932 in Kansas City, Missouri the daughter of Roy & Fern (Kuhn) Grigsby. She was raised in Hutchinson, Kansas and graduated from Hutchinson High School. Shirley worked as a switchboard operator during the 1950s. In October of 1961 she was united in marriage with Gordon Williams in Spokane, Washington. They moved to Cottage Grove in 1967. Shirley worked for School District 833, and as a 911 dispatcher for Cottage Grove police. She enjoyed gardening, feeding birds, collecting birdhouses, swimming, and doing water aerobics. Her social life with her friends, having coffee and playing cards was important to her. Shirley will be remembered for her devotion to her family and grandkids.

Shirley was preceded in death by her mother Fern Masters, daughter Valerie Schrade, and husband Gordon Williams. Shirley worked for School District 833 for many years and upon retirement she volunteered at the Woodwinds Health campus and at the Friends in Need Food shelf, St. Paul Park, MN. Shirley is survived by her daughters Cynthia Williams (Michele Mead), Debra Rudh (Anthony), and Joan Nelson (Steven); Five grandchildren, three great grandchildren and her brother Donald Grigsby.A celebration of life will be held on Saturday March 16, 2013 at 2:00PM at KOK Funeral Home, St. Paul Park, with gathering starting at 1 PM. All memorials can be directed to the family. Shirley's daughters would especially like to thank Woodwinds Hospital and HealthEast Hospice for their exceptional care with a special thank you to our great Hospice Nurse Katie, who made this experience a memorable one.