Patricia Ruth “Pat” Williams

Longtime Lawrence resident Patricia Ruth “Pat” Williams, aged 92, passed away on March 31, 2025, due to natural causes at Homestead of Eudora Memory Care. Her youngest daughter, Betsy Alford of Lawrence, was with her when she died. 

Born on August 24, 1932, in Kansas City, Kansas, Pat attended public schools and graduated from Wyandotte High School in 1950. She obtained her degree in elementary education from Baker University in 1954, where she was a member of the Phi Mu sorority. At Baker University, she met her husband, Ira “Bud” Williams III, whom she married in August 1954 in Kansas City, Kansas. Upon graduation and marriage, the couple relocated to Seattle, where Pat taught first grade while Bud completed his military service. They later returned to Baldwin and eventually settled in Lawrence. 

A devoted mother, Pat was deeply committed to her children’s development and happiness. During their elementary school years, she founded the Golden Star Sewing Club in their Barker Court neighborhood, served as a Brownie Girl Scout troop leader, a Cub Scout den leader, and frequently volunteered as a school room mother. As a lifelong Methodist, Pat taught Sunday School and ensured her children participated in the weekly family candle-lighting celebration of Advent before Christmas, even when they left home to attend the University of Kansas. 

In 1967, Pat began full-time employment within the Lawrence school district, ultimately serving as the attendance secretary at West Junior High School from 1969. Approximately five years later, she commenced over 25 years of employment at the University of Kansas, culminating in the role of lead accountant for the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry. Known affectionately as “Mother Pat” by the “Pharm Chem” community, she was revered by students and faculty alike. 

“She impacted our lives, our children’s lives, and the lives of hundreds of faculty members, staff, and students in our department,” stated Dr. Ronald Borchardt, distinguished professor emeritus. Following Pat’s retirement, the Department honored her by naming a seminar room in her memory within the Pharmaceutical Chemistry Laboratories, part of the Higuchi Biosciences Research Area. 

Predeceased by her husband, her parents, Royal Theodore “Ted” Williams and Evelyn Sarah (Cordner) Williams, and her younger sister, Mary Ann (Williams) Turkington, Pat is survived by two daughters, Suzanne Kay “Suzi” Peerbolte of Little Rock, Arkansas, Elizabeth Ann “Betsy” Alford of Lawrence, and a son, Michael Ira “Mike” Williams of Salem, Oregon. Additionally, she is survived by four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. 

Pat was renowned for her kind spirit, ever-present wry humor, and exceptional jigsaw puzzle-building skills. Although occasionally stubborn, she was unwaveringly dedicated to her family and friends. Her absence will be profoundly felt by all who knew her. 

In accordance with her wishes, a simple family graveyard gathering will be held. Donations in her memory may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association or Good Shepherd Hospice in Lawrence.