Anita K. (Benna) Williams

Anita K. Williams, 90, of Ottawa, Kansas passed away Sunday, August 31, 2025 at Advent Health Hospital in Ottawa, Kansas.  She was born November 20, 1934 in Albert City, Iowa the daughter of George and Edith (Spar) Benna.  She graduated from Alta High School with the Class of 1952 in Alta, Iowa. 

She was united in marriage to Richard L. Williams on March 20, 1955 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Alta, Iowa.  They shared over 70 years of marriage. This marriage was built on faith, family, love and sacrifice.  It was a model marriage for anyone to emulate.  

She lived on the family farm as a child in Alta, Iowa, before moving into the big town of Alta. Anita and Richard moved many times in the early years of their marriage.  They spent time in Spencer, Iowa; Nebraska City, Nebraska; Emporia, Kansas before finally settling down and making a home in Ottawa, Kansas.

Anita worked at the Bennett Creamery, Ottawa, Kansas. She later worked at Bendix Homes in Ottawa, Kansas.  In 1981, she became a bookkeeper for the Agler & Gaddert Accounting Firm in Ottawa, Kansas, before retiring. 

If you knew Anita, you know she had a few “non-negotiables” about her life.  First, she served God daily and walked in the ways of Christ.  Second, her family came first and brought her such joy.  The only thing that made her smile more than her grandchildren, were her great grandchildren. Third, Faith Lutheran Church and it’s community was her happy place. Fourth, she cheered loudly for the Kansas Jayhawks-even if she got too nervous to watch the games.

She was an avid reader, she loved to dance more than walk, and secretly liked Rod Stewart and Neil Diamond.  She not so secretly loved Elvis.  

Mrs. Williams was preceded in death by her parents, George and Edith Benna; five brothers, Bart Vern, George, Hank and Pal; and four sisters, Hildegard, May, June and Joyce.

Surviving family includes her husband, Richard L. “Dick” Williams of Ottawa, Kansas; a daughter, Carrisa Sellers and husband, Jamie of Pisgah Forest, North Carolina; two sons, Mark Williams and wife, Renita of McPherson, Kansas and Paul Williams and wife, Michelle of Overland Park, Kansas; four grandchildren, Christopher Williams and wife, Heidi, Ashley Cook and husband, Spencer, Mackay Williams and wife, Ericka and Cooper Williams; and three great-grandchildren, Lila, Jovie and Breck.

A Celebration of Anita’s life will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, September 4, 2025 at the Faith Lutheran Church, 1320 W. 15th Street, Ottawa, KS 66067.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Faith Lutheran Church and sent in c/o the Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, P.O. Box 14, Ottawa, KS 66067.  Condolences may be sent to the family through www.lamb-roberts.com. 

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