Loretta M. Williams

Loretta Mae Williams, 88, of Hanover, KS, passed away on December 8, 2024, at the Hanover Hospital.

Private burial was held in the Hanover City Cemetery.

Loretta Mae Hinz was born on May 4, 1936, in Beatrice, NE, to John and Caroline (Holz) Hinz.  In 1954, Loretta graduated from Beatrice High School.  Growing up, she loved life on the family farm near Plymouth, NE, where she fed the chickens, milked the cows, and shucked corn.  She had many fond memories of her life and family while on the farm.

Later in life, Loretta moved to Denver, CO, where she met her future husband, Don Southard.  To this union, two sons were born, Paul and John Southard.  Don, who was active military, was deployed to the Philippines during their marriage.  Loretta packed up her two young sons and followed her husband.  Their family lived there until he was redeployed a year later back to Colorado.

Loretta was widowed for many years after Don died in 1971, before meeting and marrying Erban Williams in March 1980.  While in Colorado, they enjoyed square dancing, playing cards with family and friends, going to the mountains, traveling with her sister Wilma, and spending time with her son Paul and his wife Karen.  Being with her grandchildren Matthew and Stephanie Southard, whom she adored, was her greatest joy.  Loretta worked at Regis University until retirement.

Upon retirement, Loretta and Erban bought a home and moved to Hanover.  She loved her home and life in a small town.  Loretta and Erban attended local car shows, enjoyed playing cards, spending time with friends, traveling, and especially spending time with their Kansas and Nebraska children, John, Rod, and Scott, and grandchildren, Starla, Crystal, Brian, Brandon, Kayla, Jeff, Jaime, and Janessa whom she loved dearly.  Being in Kansas allowed Loretta to see and make wonderful memories with her brother Leroy (Twila) and her younger brother Raymond (Bonnie).  Loretta was very active in her local church, Zion Lutheran, and loved the fellowship.  She dearly missed this after she became a resident at the Hanover Hospital.  Loretta was a woman of strong faith which remained until the end.

Preceding her in death are her husbands, Don Southard, in 1971 and Erban Williams, in 2011; son, Mark Williams; parents; and brother, Leroy (Twila) Hinz.

Survivors include her four sons, Paul (Karen) Southard, Brighton, CO, John (Cindy) Southard, Fairbury, NE, Rod Williams, Colby, KS, Scott (Donetta) Southard, Colby; brother, Raymond (Bonnie) Hinz; sister, Wilma (Jim) Bates; 12 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; a great-great-grandchild; and several loving nieces and nephews.

Loretta's family is planning a CELEBRATION OF LIFE to be held later in the spring.  Details will be published at a later time.  They would also like to express their profound gratitude towards the healthcare professionals at the Hanover Hospital.  Physicians, Techs, and especially the amazing, caring Nursing Staff.  They not only took amazing care of Loretta, but they provided her with a safe, happy, healthy environment and cared for her as if she were their family member.  She felt the love, and so did her family.  God Bless.

A memorial fund has been established and will be designated later.  Contributions may be sent in care of the Hanover Mortuary, c/o Kinsley Mortuary, P.O. Box 147, Marysville, KS 66508.