Carol Ann Williams (80), surrounded by family, died peacefully at her home in Helena, Montana, and went to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She courageously fought lung cancer for 13 years and never let it get her down, she then developed Alzheimer’s which she fought with all her heart. She never lost her spark and smiled when she saw family and friends until the very end.
Carol was born in Williston, ND on April 28, 1943, then was brought home to McCabe, Montana. Her dad soon left for WW II. After the war, her three brothers were born, Ray, Myron (Mike) and Tom Rygg. The family moved to Wolf Point, MT then in 1958 moved to Helena, MT. Her father owned the R-B Drive-In, where Carol worked as a car hop. It was there she met the love of her life, Jim Williams. He had just returned from spending the summer away. He and his best friend, Dan Johnson, were cruising around Helena, when they spotted a new girl at Gertie’s Drive In. Dan “dibsed” her, having seen her first. They later stopped at the RB Drive In, to find yet another new girl in town. Jim “dibsed” this new girl, Carol. In 1961, they were married.
Carol graduated from Helena High School in 1961, got married and the new couple moved to Denver, where Jim was going to college to become a CPA. While she attended some college classes, she soon began to work full time. In 1966, she became pregnant with her first child, Jim got a job offer and they headed to Hood River, Oregon. There, her first child, Wendy Lianne, was born. In 1969, her second child, Kirk Thomas, was born. In 1979 the family moved to Montana to build a house in the Elkhorn Mountains outside Helena, MT. She designed a unique, beautiful home that was custom built by family and friends, where many came to celebrate birthdays, holidays, reunions and just have fun. The family became “horse people” and many weekend and longer trips were taken by the “Elkhorn Freighters” into the beautiful mountains of Montana. In 1994, they sold the house and moved to a home at Lakeside. More celebrations, boat rides, water skiing, tubing and canoeing adventures took place.
In 1981 she and Jim purchased the Broadwater Athletic Club and Hot Springs and ran it for 31 years. They also owned Curves for Women from 2001-2012. They retired in 2012 and spent several years as snowbirds traveling and spending winters in the southwest.
Carol devoted her life her to family and friends. She worked some part-time jobs, but her children got to enjoy her as a stay-at-home mom, where she kept them busy in clubs and sports. She joined her own clubs, including becoming a Lifelong member of Beta Sigma Phi, a non-academic sorority that promoted, social, cultural and service opportunities for women. There she met many life-long friends.
With family and friends, she traveled all over the US, into Canada and around Europe. The family took many camping trips around Oregon to the coast where they fished for salmon, dug for razor clams, swam, and rode motorcycles on the dunes. Between her and Jim, Carol always caught the biggest salmon! They went to lakes with their boat, caught and cooked crawdads, swam, waterskied, and fished. They went to the mountains to camp, hike, fish, and go downhill skiing. They even took a weekend trip on cross country skis. (It didn’t go too well; Carol melted her snow pants in the fire!) She loved to shop and went on many shopping trips with friends and her daughter. Weekend trips to eat good meals, drink fine wine and shop were enjoyed by all. She was always classy and dressed to the nines.
Her time spent with family and friends included playing games, cards (Nertz and Bridge were two favorites). She cooked meals for anyone who wanted to visit. She was the family matriarch and maintained the family tradition of Lefse and holiday dinners fit for royalty. And she loved. Wow did she love. She loved her friends and family, and you knew it. She had the most beautiful bright blue eyes and such a big smile, which came out as soon as she saw you. A good friend described her as a “live wire.” She was energetic, enthusiastic and truly joyful.
Preceding her in death were her mother, Marjory Jane Rygg and her father William Lawrence Rygg, her step-sister Isabelle Ryan, Nona Otto and step-brother Jim McPhee.
She is survived by her husband of 62 years, James (Jim) William Williams, daughter Wendy Lianne (Bruce) Ewals, son Kirk Thomas Williams, daughter-in-law Leonora Colavito Williams. Grandchildren James Edward Ewals, bonus grandchildren Dillon (Jackie) Jacob Ewals, Ashley (Shane) Liane Brown, Cameron James Williams, bonus grandchildren Nicholas (Rachel) Colavito, William (Alicia) Colavito and Thomas (Stephanie) Colavito and four great-grandchildren. She is survived by her brothers Raymond, Myron (Mike) and Thomas Rygg, Stepsisters Sharon Thurston and Sue McPhee and numerous nieces, nephews and good friends.
A service will be held on August 27, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. at Life Covenant Church at 800 N Hoback in Helena, MT. A reception will follow at the church. Please wear bright colors to honor this vivacious woman. A private burial of her cremains will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice.
James Ostby says
Well, hell. 🙁
Doris Romanisko says
Carol was a lively, special person and always willing to help. Jim, Leanne, so sorry to learn of Carol’s passing.
Donna Hulse says
Jim and family, I am sorry to hear about carol’s passing. May you have warmth and Love surround you.
Bill Bentley says
Take care Jim.
Pat Webb says
Dear Jim and Family, I am heartbroken for your loss. Carol was so dear to anyone that knew her. Words can’t convey how sad I am for all of you. I will never forget all of our happy times, and there were many. My sympathies to all of us that loved her.
Love, Pat and Bob
Leonora Colavito-Williams says
My sweet mother in love will surely be missed. She was a friend to me always and grandma to all my boys! We shared many memories with Mom and Dad when we visited Helena and again when they parked their motor home in front of our home in Colorado. Mom is resting in the arms of our Lord for eternity. We will he together again.❤️🙏
Patti and Tom Russ says
Jim and family, we are saddened to hear of Carol’s passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers
Carol Bridge says
Carol was a bright light seen by all. It was an honor and priviledge to be of service to her during her cancer journey.
God Bless her family, hugs to you all. Carol Bridge
Dawn (Sagnotty)VanDenBosch says
Carol was always quick with a smile and had such sparkly eyes when she smiled. Such a sweet person. My mother and father loved her dearly, as did everyone who knew her. They’re now all in heaven laughing and telling stories. My deepest condolences to Jim, Wendy, and Kirk. My thoughts are with you and the memories of Carol.