Grantsville, Utah – Joanne Ruth (Kolb) Williams graduated with honors from this life and walked into eternity Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, following a number of ongoing health issues that resulted in her passing.
She was born Jan. 1, 1941, in Buffalo, N.Y., as the only child of John Howard Kolb and Rose Margaret (Wittmer) Kolb.
She grew up on Nevada Street in the City of Light, being surrounded by adults who loved her. She had a special bond with her cousin, MaryLou (Kolb) Korpanty, which lasted throughout her lifetime.
Joanne attended Bishop McMahon, an all-girls Catholic High School, and D’Youville College, an all-girls Catholic academic institution, in Buffalo. It was there where she also decided to no longer be the shy girl she was and to become someone who was confident and outgoing. Because of that inner drive, she made numerous friends, including Christine Falkowski, and those friendships lasted for decades.
In time, Joanne met her future husband, George Watkin Williams, while she was working in a doctor’s office. Previous to their meeting, George, then in his early 30s, had grown concerned about not being married. He subsequently dreamed about meeting a woman dressed in white. Soon after that dream, George went to the appointment and met Joanne, who was wearing a white uniform.
The pair then courted, fell in love and were married Jan. 20, 1962, at The Church of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Darien Center, N.Y.
After their marriage, they resided on Broadway in the Town of Lancaster, N.Y. She lived there most of her life and loved the Buffalo and western New York area.
Nine months following her marriage, she gave birth to a pair of premature twin boys in November 1962. Thirteen months later, a third son was born. A daughter was born in June 1971.
Joanne, along with George, converted to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1968. For decades, she served as the congregation’s pianist and organist. She also served as ward Relief Society President, family history consultant and as a youth seminary teacher.
Additionally, she made a trek with her family across the United States in 1973 to be sealed in the Ogden Utah LDS Temple.
During this time, Joanne also became interested in taxes and came to be an income tax preparer, helping many navigate their way through complex tax rules and regulations.
Joanne also spent her adult years wearing herself out physically, emotionally, and mentally, giving service to her immediate family and to others, including providing care of her mother, mother-in-law and grandmother during their advancing years.
She was a true minister in every sense of the word, and showed her abiding faith by following the example of her Savior, Jesus Christ, in reaching out to others in need.
During her own advancing years, she resided in East Aurora, N.Y. and Grantsville, Utah, where her son and daughter, as well as their families, provided her needed care.
She is survived by her children Bruce Williams, Lockport, N.Y.; Christopher Williams, Clearfield, Utah; Jeffrey (Kathy) Williams, East Aurora, N.Y.; Diane (Michael) Cox, Grantsville, Utah; 15 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and a daughter-in-law, Gail Burton.
Joanne’s testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ will continue through time and eternity and through the lives of her children and grandchildren.
Visitation with Joanne’s family will take place Saturday, Oct. 10, from 10 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. in the Lancaster Ward meetinghouse of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 127 William Kidder Road, Lancaster, N.Y. A memorial service will follow at noon with Bishop Adam Williams, a grandson, presiding.
The service will be live-streamed at https://zoom.us/j/94553275410?pwd=oiKiKyjI04t649USgxgFpSszoNFiIC.1
A graveside service will then follow for family members in Darien Center, N.Y.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Humanitarian Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. https://philanthropies.churchofjesuschrist.org/humanitarian-services/
3 Responses
Diane,
Sorry for your loss. I remember your mom smiling when we were sitting on your bed singing Air Supply songs very loudly. I was and still am a horrible singer, but still love singing. Your mom was so sweet and kind. You will be in my prayers. 🙏🏻🩷
The part I loved most about Sister Williams was her faith. There was never a doubt that she loved Heavenly Father & His Son! She shared her wisdom, testimony, & smile with everyone she met. You knew she loved you after you met her once. She raised good & faithful people in her family. I am very grateful for her example in my life.
Great Lady enjoyed the time I spent with her.