Helen Williams, 84, of Nevada, died Tuesday, March 17, 2015, at Bethany Life Communities in Story City.               

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 20, 2015, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Nevada, with Fr. Rick Dagit officiating.  Burial will follow in St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery.  Visitation will be held at the church on Thursday from 5-7 p.m., with a Scripture Service at 7 p.m.  

Born May 29, 1930, on the family farm southwest of Nevada, Iowa, Helen Lois Williams was the daughter of Benjamin and Eva (Earl) Ackerman.  She enjoyed playing basketball during her years at Shipley High School, graduating in 1948. 

On October 6, 1948, Helen was united in marriage to Donald Williams in Nevada.  The couple was blessed with seven sons. 

Helen was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Nevada.  She was a busy farm wife and mother and enjoyed watching basketball, especially the Iowa State Cyclones.  In earlier years Helen enjoyed square dancing and playing cards.  She loved her family and delighted in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

Survivors include her husband, Don; six sons, Don (Beth) Williams, Jr. of Nevada, Jim (Karen) Williams of Cameron, WI, Jerry (Jody) Williams of Fairbury, NE, Gary (Deb) Williams of West Des Moines, Glen (Pam) Williams of Stacyville, and Richard (Tracy) Williams of Charles City; a daughter-in-law, Karen Williams of LeRoy, MN; 19 grandchildren; and 31 great-grandchildren.  She is also survived by a brother, Paul (Loretta) Ackerman of Grinnell; three sisters, Marjorie Fox of Chicago, IL, Nora Kinyon of Nevada, and Mary (Terry) Landis of Nevada; as well as many nieces, nephews, and other extended family members. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Ben Williams; a great-granddaughter, Elizabeth Williams; three brothers, Raymond, Carl, and Earl Ackerman; two sisters, Mary Katherine Croker and Ruth Ackerman; sisters-in-law, Georgia Ackerman, Eileen Ackerman, and Delores Ackerman; and brothers-in-law, Art Fox and Leo Kinyon. 

Ryan Funeral Home of Nevada has been entrusted with the care of Helen and her family.