The Richmond News, August 1, 2025

Mary Williams

Mary Rose Williams, 89, of Liberty, formerly of Norborne, passed away Monday, July 21, 2025, at Norterre in Liberty. Mary was enjoying the last few months living at the independent living facility at The Wellington in Liberty, where she made many friends. Mary was born Oct. 22, 1935, in Ray County, the daughter of James Jacob and Opal Mae (Russell) Fifer.

She was united in marriage to Paul E. Williams of Richmond on Nov. 25, 1954. He preceded her in death on March 26, 2012.

Survivors include her son, Glen (Janet) Williams of Garden City, Kan.; and two daughters, Kathy (Jerry) Gaughran of Napoleon and Serena Smith of Liberty.

She also is survived by 11 grandchildren: Angie (Mark) Tolbert, Kami (Mark) Murphy, Daniel (Shelbie) Williams, Joseph (Rebecca) Williams, Christina (Uzzi) Macy, Justin (Rachelle) Williams, Aaron Smith, Heather Goolsby, Carrie (Danny) Reddell, Jessica (Mario) Gonzalez and Brian Gaughran.

In addition, Mary is survived by 19 great-grandchildren: Devon Tolbert, Brooklyn Tolbert, Luke Tolbert, Mackenzie Tolbert, Makayla Tolbert, Clay Tolbert, Jordyn Tolbert, Aidan Murphy, Cooper Murphy, Madeleine Murphy, Briggs Williams, Ryker Williams, Bristol Williams, Ainslee Williams, Amaris Williams, Persaius Williams, Evelette Williams, Sienna Macy and Lillie Macy.

Her great-great-grandchild, Gemini Tolbert; two brothers, Bobby (Barbara) Fifer of Hardin and James Fifer (Nancy Lowman) of Norborne; and four sisters, Lois Renzelman of Liberty, Ruby (Dwight) Vaughn of Richmond, Elsie (Don) Stevens of Richmond and Linda (Steven) Mills of Kearney survive as well.

She was preceded in death by her parents. Mary was a 1953 graduate of Hardin-Central High School.

She had a lifelong passion for quilting and was known for generously gifting her handmade creations to her grandchildren, friends and extended family. Her love for quilting was matched by the joy she found in giving.

Mary also was skilled in embroidery, crocheting, knitting and canning. In her younger years, she enjoyed bowling and remained active in a variety of creative and domestic pursuits throughout her life.

Her family fondly remembers the sweet treats she lovingly prepared each Christmas, especially her homemade candy and cookies. She also delighted in making pickles, sharing her talents and traditions with those around her.

Mary enjoyed KU college basketball, the Chiefs and the Royals.

She worked at William Jewell College for more than 20 years in the food service department, starting as a line cook and working her way up to secretary of the food service department. Mary enjoyed serving the kids and forming relationships with the kids, especially those from the Hardin community.

She will be dearly missed by her family and friends. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the donor’s choice. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home; 507 E. Main St.-P.O. Box 190; Richmond, MO 64085.

Visitation with funeral services will be held Friday, Aug. 1, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond, with visitation beginning at 2 p.m. and services to follow at 3. Burial will be in Richmond Memory Gardens.

Please share your memories of Mary with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.