Shirley Kae (Holtz) Williams, 90, of Cedar Falls, died on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at UnityPoint Health – Allen Hospital in Waterloo, Iowa.
She was born on January 19, 1935, in Liberty Township, Clinton County, Iowa, the daughter of William and Sophia (Schroeder) Holtz. She graduated from Lost Nation High School in 1953 before completing her two-year teaching certificate at the University of Dubuque and later a bachelor’s degree from Drake University. On April 14, 1957, she was united in marriage to Roger H. Williams in Oxford Junction. Shirley’s calling was teaching, having spent over 30 years as an educator. Her first teaching job was in Lost Nation. She later taught first grade in Eagle Grove, then eventually retired as a kindergarten teacher from the Clarion-Goldfield School District in May of 1997.
Shirley devoted her life toteaching and providing for her community, friends, and family. She was instrumental in the development of the Dollars for Scholars organization for the Eagle Grove school district. She was actively involved in the Eagle Grove Methodist church, including Circle, Sunday school, and choir; PEO; Red Hat Ladies; volunteer work at Southdale Elementary School in Cedar Falls, the Salvation Army in Waterloo, and the Northeast Iowa Food Bank in Waterloo.
Throughout her life, she enjoyed many different pastimes, including playing card and board games, spending time with grandchildren and great grandchildren, bicycling (RAGBRAI), watching and attending sporting events, traveling, cooking meals and preparing Jell-O salads, reading mysteries and her Bible, gardening, playing in and hosting card clubs, doing puzzles, drinking coffee, and lounging in pajamas.
Shirley’s warmth, generosity, and zest for life touched all who knew her. Her teaching transcended the classroom, with actions and words that taught others how to treat everyone with respect and kindness. She was affectionately known for her fierce resolve, brilliant smile, and her unwavering desire to help people. Her spirit and affable demeanor made all feel welcome and loved in her presence. She leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and service.
Shirley is survived by her daughter, Kendra Williams-Perez of Cedar Falls; son, Kent (Nancy) Williams of Edmond, OK; granddaughters, Diana Barrett of Heber City, UT, Madeline Aguillard of Aniak, AK, Sophia (Hunter) Williams-Perez of Houston, TX, Alexandra Williams-Perez of Houston, TX; grandsons Colson (Chloe) Williams of Helena, MT, Camon (Alison) Williams of Dallas, TX, and Carter Williams of Edmond, OK; and great grandchildren, Preston Aguillard and Afton Williams.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Roger H. Williams; parents, William B. Holtz and Sophia (Schroeder) Holtz; siblings, Edward (Dorothy) Holtz, Lloyd (Elvera) Holtz, and Eleanor (Otis) Gable; and her son-in-law, Hector (Kendra) Perez.
The visitation was held from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. on Friday, February 28, 2025, at Richardson Funeral Service in Cedar Falls followed by the interment at 2 p.m. at Rose Hill Cemetery in Eagle Grove, Iowa.
Memorials may be directed to one of her favorite local charitable organizations, the Northeast Iowa Food Bank in Waterloo, Iowa. Donations may be submitted online at https://www.neifb.org/get-involved/donate. After selecting your preferred donation, please note in the comment section that the donation is given in memory of Shirley Williams.
Online condolences may be provided at www.richardsonfuneralservice.com.
