Johnnie Dell Williams

Johnnie Dell Williams was born in rural Taylor County, Texas, on Wednesday, August 12, 1936, to John Henry and Dana Ruth Ellinger. She was the fifth of six children. Johnnie truly loved her family as well as growing up on the Ellinger Ranch, that was located in Buffalo Gap, Texas.

Johnnie first met Marion when he had an appointment with his optometrist, Dr. Ted Ellinger. Ted was Johnnie’s brother and she happened to be taking care of his office when Marion arrived, and they began to date shortly after their meeting. In Marion’s senior year at Texas A&M, they became serious. After college, Marion moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico to begin his career. After several tries, Johnnie happily accepted Marion's proposal for marriage. Marion and Johnnie married on Saturday, December 14, 1957, and moved to Albuquerque to start their family. In 1969, they moved to Stillwater, Oklahoma for a year while Marion completed his PhD at OSU. They transitioned back to Albuquerque for a couple of months when Marion accepted a position in The Hague, Netherlands. In 1971, they packed up and moved overseas for three years. Marion was so proud and grateful that Johnnie never complained once about moving. She was the key to making all the transitions smooth and stress free. Johnnie’s fondest memories were from all the amazing European adventures they shared as a family. No matter where they lived, Johnnie was always thought of as a very classy lady who had the gift of decorating and made her house feel like a home. She was always so proud of her husband and daughters. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were a great source of joy. Throughout the years, Johnnie was a beloved and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, as well as an active church member and faithful friend.

Johnnie was called home on Sunday, July 17, 2022, and is survived by her husband, Marion Williams; daughter, Tammy Cole and fiancé, Mike; daughter, Pam Ritterbush and husband, Craig; grandchildren, Ryan Cole and wife, Jane, Kendra Root and husband, Levi, Andrew Ritterbush and wife, Taylor, Aaron Ritterbush and partner, Eva; great-grandchildren, James Cole, Jonathan Cole, and Piper Root. She also leaves many cherished nieces and nephews. Johnnie was preceded in death by her parents, John Henry and Dana Ruth Ellinger; brothers, Ted Ellinger and Mickey Ellinger; sisters, Peggy Sides, Bonnie White, and Melba Ellinger.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, August 19, 2022, 10:30 a.m., at Hoffmantown Church, 8888 Harper Rd NE. Interment will take place at Santa Fe National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.