Frances Marie (Bernard) Williams

Frances Marie (Bernard) Williams was born Feb. 17, 1925, in her family home in Rock Springs.

She was the third of four children that blessed the lives of Blaz and Johanna Bernard. She was the first in her family born in the United States, after her family immigrated from Slovenia, Austria.

She grew up in Rock Springs, attending local schools and graduated in 1943 from Rock Springs High School. She married John T. Williams, Jr., Oct. 26, 1946. Their family grew to include five children, 12 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren and numerous family pets.

She was very active as a member of Saints Cyril and Methodius Church and was a member of Saint Michael Archangel. She held many jobs throughout her life including working in the business offices for the Union Pacific Coal Company and driving the Saints Cyril and Methodius Catholic School bus for Father Albin Gnidovec.

In August of 1993, she retired from the data processing department at the Sweetwater County Memorial Hospital after 25 years of employment. While there, she was awarded employee of the month multiple times, as well as employee of the year. She won multiple hospital Christmas baking contests with her fudge and worked as a pink lady. She was very active volunteering at the local Catholic church, including attending weekly adoration.

Frances' family has always been the center of her life. She found joy in caring for all her grandchildren, great grandchildren, and even the grand dogs. She was famous for her fudge and brownies as well as her love of shopping. She has left a legacy of wonderful family recipes for her children and grandchildren to prepare for future generations. She enjoyed traveling, gardening, reading, and was a master crafter. 

She was surrounded by her loved ones when she went to meet her beloved husband on Feb. 10, 2017, just shy of her 92nd birthday.

Survivors include three sons, David Williams (Jo Ellen) of Cheyenne, J.T. Williams (Lynn) of Rock Springs and Rick Williams (Jenny) of Boulder; two daughters, Jackie Farley and Joni Stainbrook (Greg), all of Rock Springs; brother-in-law David Williams (Myrna) of Las Vegas; three sister-in-laws, Beatrice Vidakovich of Glenwood Springs, Colo., Dorothy Andrews of Glenwood Springs, Colo., and Joan Zumbrennen of Elkhorn, Neb .; 12 grandchildren, Kandy Bingham (Randy), Kristi Snow (Steve), Erin Williams (Ryan), Erica Legerski (Chad), Jennifer Jackson (Dennis), Ange Stainbrook (Rick), Judd Williams, Mike Williams, Teress Nugent (Darcy), Blaine Besso (Jamie), Kyle Williams (Shelby), and Miles Lathrop (Anna); 15 great grandchildren, Tierney Snow, Dylan and Alyssa Yoksh, Parker, Alex and Addison Legerski, Justice, Hope and Grace Jackson, Tavis and Kayleigh Williams, and Reagan, Riley, and Charlotte Williams; two great-great grandchildren include Willow and Sage Dennis; along with numerous nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her husband; parents, brother Anton Bernard, sisters Mary Radosevich and Jennie Barto and sister-in-law Agnes Williams.

A Mass of Christian burial took place Wednesday.

Condolences may be left at http://www.vasefuneralhomes.com

The family of Frances respectfully request donations be made in memory of Frances to 

Red Desert Human Society or Hospice of Sweetwater County.