Gertrude C. Williams, 94 of Ashland, NE, died Thursday, December 8, 2016 at the Ashland Care Center.  She was born on September 8, 1922 in Sutton, NE, the oldest of ten children, to Henry Sr. and Wilhelmina (Ehly) Fehr.  She was baptized and confirmed in the Emmanuel Reformed Church in Sutton.  Gertrude married Ray E. Williams on May 1, 1952 and to this union six children were born: Steven, Glen, Janet, Rogene, Keith, and Marlene.  They moved to Ashland in 1963.

Gertrude was a member of Word of Hope Lutheran Church, VFW Post #9776 Auxiliary, and the American Legion #129 Auxiliary.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brothers: Ray and Harrison Fehr; sister Louise Huebert; grandson Brian Todd; sisters-in-law: Lois Dainton, Margaret Fehr, and Rose Fehr; brothers-in-law: Pete Huebert, Jim Hannon, Bill Arnall, Owen Dainton, Eugene Williams, and Everett “Dean” Williams.

She is survived by her children: Steve (Tammy) Williams of Ashland, Glen (Monica) Williams of Lincoln, Janet (Tim) Todd of Fremont, Rogene (Tom) Wheeldon of Schuyler, Keith (Vicki) Williams of Dunkirk, MD, and Marlene (Tom) Novotny of Carson, IA; 23 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren; sisters: Verna Arnall and Norma Hannon; brothers: Milton Fehr, Tom (Velma) Fehr, Henry Jr. (Jeannine) Fehr, and Ron (Charlotte) Fehr; sisters-in-law: Margaret Williams and Leona Williams; many nieces, nephews, and their families.

Gertrude spent many years gardening, canning, and baking many of the fruits of her labor into pies.  She will be forever remembered for her strong faith and determination, her home-made German cooking and her love of family.

Gertrude loved ice cream and chocolate.  Even in her final days, these brought her comfort.  We always gave her a piece of chocolate before saying goodbye.