Leah Arlette Williams, 91, of Wallace, NE, passed away on the morning of February 17, 2023, at her home.
Arlette was born on December 12, 1931, in Allendale, Missouri, to James
Thomas and Elizabeth Francis (Gartin) Hazzard and was the oldest of
four children. As a young girl, Arlette's family moved several times
before settling in Madrid, Nebraska. She attended school there and
completed her education before embarking on a new journey as a wife and
mother.
In 1947, Arlette married Estel M. Hutsell, and the couple
resided in various towns throughout Nebraska and Colorado following her
husband's work on the railroad. Arlette would live in Cheyenne, Wyoming,
and Sidney, Nebraska, before settling in Wallace.
On August
28, 1981, Arlette married Clarence Williams at their home in Wallace,
Nebraska. They lived in a mobile home while they built their permanent
residence. With the help of family, they were able to complete their log
home, and it became a beloved gathering place for their family and
friends.
Arlette did many jobs and wore many hats, including
as a waitress, bartender, housewife, and mother. She had worked at the
Silver Dollar Bar and Restaurant for 13 years. Arlette was active in
several fraternal organizations, including the American Legion
Auxiliary, VFW Auxiliary, Eagles Auxiliary, and the Women of the Moose.
She dedicated her time to these organizations and was instrumental in
many initiatives, including fundraising for the 20th-century veterans
memorial and collecting pop tabs to help families with children in the
Ronald McDonald house in Omaha, Nebraska.
In addition to her
involvement in these organizations, Arlette was also a talented cake
decorator, providing cakes for many occasions and celebrations over the
years. She enjoyed embroidery work, vegetable and flower gardening,
country music, and dancing. She had an extensive collection of spoons.
All of these things were a source of great joy and pride for her.
Arlette will be missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her.
Arlette was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence Williams, her
parents, siblings, son, oldest grandson, stepson, and stepdaughter. She
is survived by her children Marvin E. Hutsell, Betty M. and (Mike)
Courtney, Linda (Mike) Sloan, Cynthia (Terry) Huggins, Eva (Mike)
Schaff, and Kathy (Rod) Haxton. She is also survived by numerous
grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, as
well as nieces, nephews, and special friends.
A celebration of
life open house will be held in Arlette's honor at the Moose Club in
North Platte on April 15, 2023, at 2:00 pm CST. Arlette's cremains will
be interred in the Fort McPherson National Cemetery at Maxwell.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in her memory for
later designation. Condolences may be shared at
bullocklongfuneralhome.com.
Bullock Long Funeral Home of Grant is in charge of arrangements.