Betty L. Williams

Betty L. Williams of Fairbury, NE passed away December 10, 2025, at her home surrounded by her family. She was born February 16, 1935, to Leland and Myrtle (Goebel) Dragoo near Mahaska, KS. She graduated from her class as Valedictorian from Reynolds High School in 1953.

She was united in marriage to James L. Williams on February 20, 1954. They were blessed with three children.

She was secretary to Superintendent of Schools in Fairbury when she got married and for a couple more years. She worked part-time at the County Treasurer’s office and worked twenty years at the Fairbury Livestock Company office, but being a farm wife and mother took up most of her time. She was a den mother for cub scouts, and held offices in Ladies church group, extension club and PTA at Reynolds School and Reynolds School Board.

She loved having the grandchildren and great-grandchildren visit and she loved babysitting them when she got the chance. She was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Gilead, NE until it closed. She then became a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Fairbury, NE.

Betty is preceded in death by her husband James of 67 years, young brother Jimmy Dale, parents Leland & Myrtle Dragoo, parents-in-law Harry & Pauline Williams, brothers Dennis Dragoo and Darrol Dragoo, sisters-in-law Cheryl Dragoo, Vida Dragoo and Rena Dragoo and great grandson Levi Hynek.

Survivors are her three children Christine (Ivan) Hildreth of Fulton, MO, Michael (Cheri) Williams and Russell (Cynthia) Williams of Fairbury, NE, six grandchildren; Aaron (Lauren) Hildreth of Jefferson City, MO, LaTisha (Nolan) Dux, Jessica (Colby) Hynek of Fairbury, NE, Jared Williams of Carlton, NE, Brian (Angelica) Williams of Kansas City, KS and Melissa (Jordan) Dux of Fairbury, NE, ten great-grandchildren; Benjamin, Elizabeth & Catherine Hildreth, Jayce Williams, Riata and Cade Hynek, Mateo and Lucas Williams, Emma and Grace Dux, brothers Roger Dragoo of Albuquerque, NM, Jerry (Leota) Dragoo of the Villages, FL and sisters Karen (Dennis) Blaker of Sun City, AZ and Joyce (Marvin) Willett of Cody, WY, many nieces, nephews, cousins and other family and friends.

Services will be Monday, December 15, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Fairbury with Father Justin Fulton officiating. The family will greet friends Sunday evening from 5:30 – 7:00 at the Funeral Home followed by the Rosary at 7:00 p.m. Memorials to the family’s discretion. Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements. www.gerdesmeyerfh.com