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Michelle Kathleen Williams

March 22, 1950 - September 6, 2021

Michelle Kathleen Williams, 71, of Ankeny died Monday, September 6, 2021.

A rosary will be prayed at 4:30 p.m. at Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Catholic Church in Ankeny, IA, followed by a visitation from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 9, 2021. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Catholic Church at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 10, 2021.

Michelle was born on March 22, 1950, in Omaha, Nebraska, daughter of James and Julia McGown. She married Richard K. Williams on July 18, 1970, in Omaha, NE.

She is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, Rich; her children, Kristie (Christopher) McCrady, Julie Williams, Laurie (Christopher) Wojtal, Jennie (Jamie) Gaffney, Richard Williams, Maggie (Andrew) Archer, and Nicholas Williams; her ten grandchildren: Emma, Grace, and Jack Stackhouse; Charles and Ronan Wojtal; Luke, Shea, and Anna Gaffney; and Everett and Aiden Archer; her sister Patricia Thralls, and numerous in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

Michelle was a proud wife, mother, and a doting grandmother. She always said that her greatest accomplishments were her children and grandchildren. She felt her best while helping others. Michelle was highly active in the OLIH Parish community: she taught religious education for 46 years, was a beloved member of the faith sharing group, and an active member of AMOS (A Mid-Iowa Organizing Strategy). Within the community, Michelle was an avid volunteer: United Way and Catholic Worker House were organizations dear to her heart.  Service to her faith and community was her passion. She was an ideal homeroom mother and Fun Night organizer who made countless holiday pins for many students who attended Ankeny Public Schools. Michelle was a daycare provider, a personnel manager at Walmart, a longtime associate in the Ankeny Community Schools, and a devoted team member at On with Life for many years. She gave her heart and soul to every position she held.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Catholic Worker House