Ross W. Williams, 89, of Monmouth, IL, passed away at 3:15 a.m., Friday, November 27, 2020, at OSF St. Mary’s Medical Center, Galesburg, IL.
He was born October 12, 1931, in Henderson County, Illinois the son of Howard E. and Elizabeth Mae (Hall) Williams. He was raised and educated in Henderson Co., IL, Omaha, NE, and Monmouth, graduating from Monmouth High School in 1949.
Ross was a Staff Sgt. with the United States Air Force during the Korean War from 1950 to 1954.
Ross married Lois I. Crouse Watkins on June 12, 1955, at the Westside U.P. Church in Monmouth; she preceded him in death on May 30, 2018.
Ross worked at the Benner Tea Co. from 1955-59, Cameron Feed & Supply from 1959-62, Central Field Supply from 1962-72, served as Warren County Treasurer from 1972-80, United Federal Bank from 1980-93, and Monmouth Trust and Savings Bank from 1993 until he retired in 2000.
He was a member of the Kirkwood Masonic Lodge, Monmouth American Legion, Heritage U.P. Church, and the Monmouth Township Board for 12 years. He served as President or Chairman of the Monmouth Jaycees, Prairie Council Boy Scouts Board, United Way Board, Drive Chairman, Western Illinois Special Olympics, Community Memorial Hospital Board for 11 years, Warren Achievement Board for 6 years, Warren Achievement Endowment Board for 20 years, Warren County YMCA Endowment Board for 21 years, Monmouth Area Chamber of Commerce and served as the Chairman of the 1981 Monmouth Sesquicentennial Day Celebration.
Survivors include his daughters, Deborah Sue Olson of Galesburg, IL and Beth E. (Bob) Reedy of Monmouth, IL; son, W. Dean (Jane) Watkins of Monmouth, IL; 6 grandchildren, Sean Sornberger, Dawn Ballard, Rachel (Sean) Crosby, Adam (Tiffany) Watkins, Katie (Luis) Aranda, and Ross (Jackie) Reedy; great-grandchildren, John Michael Ballard, Tyler Watkins, Payton Watkins, Sydney Crosby, Anna Crosby, Lorenzo Aranda, Cecilia Aranda, Camilo Aranda, Lucia Aranda, Hannah Reedy, Elijah Reedy, Norah Reedy; sister, Janet E. Brooks of Monmouth, IL.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, sisters, Darlene, Donna Williams, Wilma S. Weidler, and brother, John E. Williams.
Memorial Services with Military Honors will be 10:00 am Saturday, June 5, 2021, at the Gerlaw Christian Church, Gerlaw, IL. Cremation rites have been accorded. Memorials may be given to the Monmouth American Legion or the Gerlaw Christian Church. McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, IL, is in charge of the arrangements.
