Kathryn Eluned Williams

February 25, 1913 - January 1, 2018

Kathryn Eluned Williams passed away surrounded by the love of her family on January 1, 2018 at the age of 104. She was active and interested in the lives and activities of her family and many friends until her passing.

Kathryn was born in Oak Hill, Ohio, the first daughter of Welsh immigrants, Reverend Robert Owen Williams and Catherine Ellen Williams. She was the second of five children. Her family moved from Ohio to Washington where her father became Minister of the Presbyterian Church in Walla Walla. Her family later moved to Oakland, California so that she could attend UC Berkeley where she earned her BA in Fine Art. Kathryn married a fellow Welshman, CPA Ben Williams in 1934. She became a mother to John Byron in 1938 and Roberta Jean in 1942. Ben’s work with the Department of Defense took their family to live in London, England, for two years and later to Hayama, Japan, where Kathryn pursued her interests in painting, Ikebana and antiquing. Kathryn was an elementary school teacher for 23 years, last teaching at Las Lomitas school in Atherton, CA.

Kathryn loved people. She was a devout Christian, shining her light and giving her love and support to all she met. For many years, she was an active member of the Menlo Park Presbyterian Church. Kathryn was a charter member of P.E.O. Chapter LL, founded in 1946, which focuses on providing educational scholarships for women.

Kathryn was proceeded in death by her husband Ben in 1974, her brothers Owen Kerniew, Robert Willard, sister Margaret Butler and most recently her brother, Ambassador Haydn Williams. She is survived by her son, John Byron Williams of Saguache, CO, daughter Roberta Allee of Menlo Park, CA and nephew Michael Garl of San Carlos, CA along with five grandchildren, Greg Stevens (Lisa), Katie Evans (Neal), Geoffrey Williams (Erin), Brenin Williams (Sara), Morgan Williams (Sylvia) and Marshall Williams (Abby). Her nine great-grandchildren lovingly called her their “GG”.

The family is thankful to Kathryn’s many dear friends who remained faithful with visits and calls to her in her later years. We are especially grateful to her doctor, Julie Wissink, MD, and her pastor, Frank Vanderzwan, for their amazing care and friendship.

We will forever miss her love, graciousness, strength and guidance, and will always hold her close in our hearts. Kathryn’s memorial will be held at Menlo Church, 950 Santa Cruz Avenue, Menlo Park on Friday, February 9 at 11am.