Kathleen Williams

Kathleen “Kay” Williams, age 105 of Mackinaw City, passed away peacefully at Evergreen Living Center in St. Ignace on Saturday, February 1, 2025.

Kay was born in Cambridge, Ohio on January 9, 1920, the daughter of John and Lillian McPeek.

After moving to Michigan with her family, she later graduated from Pontiac High School in 1938. After high school, Kay met and fell in love with Ralph Williams, and the two were united in marriage in October 1940. Kay witnessed immense changes in society during her lifetime, having been born before women had the right to vote, before Prohibition, and before sliced bread was even invented. Days after her son Jim was born in 1941, the United States entered World War II. Ralph soon entered the military and served as a naval officer in the U.S. Pacific Fleet. Kay traveled alone across the country with her young son, seeking opportunities to reunite with Ralph whenever he was in port. After the war ended, she and Ralph built a cabin on the AuSable river in Mio to create a peaceful family retreat. Kay worked for many years as a school secretary in the Pontiac School District. After she and Ralph began an early retirement, the couple built a home along the Lake Michigan shoreline in Mackinaw City. The two also spent some of their retirement years in Palm Harbor, Florida. An avid outdoorswoman, Kay enjoyed big-game hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, and traveling. She and Ralph embarked on hunting expeditions across the country and the world. Many of her taxidermy mounts were later relocated to the Antlers Restaurant in Sault Sainte Marie. She loved animals and had many special dogs as faithful pets over the years. She continued mowing her own lawn until the age of 88, and also stayed physically active by walking and playing golf in the women’s summer league at the former Wilderness Golf Course and the Mackinaw Club. When she took time to relax, she enjoyed cheering on the Detroit Tigers and watching PGA golf events on television. She spent many afternoons enjoying the view of the Straits with friends and family, often with a cold beverage and warm conversation. Kay was very active in the Mackinaw City community. Until her mid-90s, she volunteered at the Wawatam Area Senior Center. She also volunteered each year for the Labor Day Mackinac bridge walk. Kay enjoyed playing cards, and participated in many euchre tournaments. After suffering a stroke just before her 95 th birthday, Kay’s life slowed down dramatically. Still wanting to remain physically active, she could often be seen with her walker getting in her daily steps on the trail next to her house. Although she could no longer drive, she was able to still enjoy regular outings with her group of close friends.

She is survived by her son, the Rev. James Williams of Mackinaw City; her grandchildren Patrick (Lisa) Rivera of Mackinaw City and Nicholas (Antonia) Tijerina of Seminole, Florida; eight great- grandchildren; and six great-great grandchildren.

Kay was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Earl, and her husband Ralph, who passed away in 2003.

As per family wishes, no visitation or service will be held.

Kay’s long and remarkable life was filled with adventure, friendship, and a deep love for family. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Arrangements are in care of the Beck Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be addressed through www.beckfuneralhome.org

Thank you to Debbie and Doreen  for posting on Gone But Not Forgotten.