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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Obituary: Williams, Margaret S.


WILLIAMS,
Margaret S.

Margaret passed away on March 22, 2012.

She was born February 21, 1915.

Her parents were Drs.

Thomas and Mary Runnalls, a pioneer family of the Puyallup Valley in the State of Washington.

She graduated from the University of Washington where she earned her degree in pre-Medics and her “Big W” in Husky Athletics.

She was an Advisor, Order of Rainbow for Girls, for the states of Washington, Idaho and Alaska.

Following college graduation, she held a research fellowship in medical bacteriology while studying for her Master’s Degree.

As a marine biologist, she served as a scientific deck hand (only female) on the Washington floating laboratory “Catalyst” while attending graduate school at the Friday Harbor Marine Biology Station.

Margaret was a member of Phi Sigma, national Biology Honorary.

Also appointed by former Governor of the State of Washington, Dan Evans, Margaret was the Chairman of the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission; a charter member of Assistants Inc; served on the Boards of Spokane County Center, Friends of the Library, United Crusade, Spokane Lady Lions, Episcopal Churchwomen, Champagne Ball Charities, Inc. and President and member of Board of Trustees of Rockwood Manor.

Margaret was an associate life member of the Spokane Country Club, a member of the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, a founding member of St. Francis Guild, and a trustee of the Governor’s Mansion Foundation in Olympia.

Mrs. Williams was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, J.J. Williams, a son, Robert Nathan Williams, and a sister, Mary Ellen Sambilla.

She is survived by a daughter Shelly Windeler Epley of Marietta, Ohio, two grandsons, Lt.

Commander Britton Windeler (Jamie) and Blake Windeler, great-grandsons Everett and Carter, sister Shirley Fager, and special friend Bob Hyatt.

Margaret’s interest in sports, music, art, literature, drama, politics and social services was evident during her life as she devoted hours of volunteer work to all of these fields of endeavor.

She had a strong sense of civic responsibility, exhibited courage and determination in times of adversity and lived her life with joy and dignity.

The family members give heartfelt thanks to those who care to give memorials to a charity of choice.


A Memorial Service will be held at The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist on Tuesday, April 24th at 11:00 AM.