Lydia Williams

Lydia Williams, 89, of Robinson, IL, passed away on November 22, 2022, in the comfort of her home. She was born October 25, 1933, in Terre Haute, IN, the daughter of Lillard & Marie (Langenbach) Krider, both of whom preceded her in death. Lydia married her high school sweetheart, Richard Williams, on August 7, 1955, and they spent 62 years (plus 5) together before he preceded her in death on April 17, 2018. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Bill Krider; her sister, Mary Bradbury; and her cat, Joey.

She is survived by her children, Marc & Luanne Williams, Michael Williams & Tricia Truscott, and Karla & Michael John Ries; by her grandchildren, Joshua & Pam Gold, Morgan & Michael Canjar, Michaelann & John Koeltzow, and Serena & Ely Lucas; by eight great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Lydia grew up in the Terre Haute area and was a graduate of Wiley High School. She would further her education at Indiana State University, where she became the first president of the local Delta Gamma chapter before graduating with a bachelor's degree in business. Lydia loved learning and dedicated her life to education. Her teaching career found her in Lawrenceville, IL, and Littleton, CO, before finally landing in Robinson, where she was the business director at Lincoln Trail College for over 20 years. Not only did she serve the college in this capacity, but she was also a staple on the board of the Lincoln Trail College Foundation for many years. In fact, so vital was she to the board that she was granted emeritus status just a few months ago.

During their marriage, Lydia and Richard were inseparable. Together they enjoyed traveling: Vegas, Paducah, and Estes Park were favorite destinations. After Richard's death, Lydia continued to travel to Colorado with stops along the way in South Dakota and even Green Bay, WI to root for her Packers (she was a proud Share Owner). In more recent days Lydia most enjoyed being home. She enjoyed spending time with her breakfast club laughing and sharing stories; talking on the phone with her good friend, Jeanette; or sitting on her sun porch immersed in a book, playing Words with Friends on her IPad, or rooting on her Cardinal baseball team! Lydia most loved talking on the phone (and face-timing) with her children and grandchildren, listening to their tales of daily life as well as adventures. No matter where she was, chances were that Lydia would be striking up a conversation. She was a lover of people and enjoyed nothing more than getting to know whoever came along her way. She never met a stranger.

Those of us fortunate to have known Lydia are so thankful for the gift of her life. Lydia was an amazing strong and supportive woman who was the heartbeat of her family, she was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and a doting grandmother and great-grandmother. Her gracious love lives on as her enduring legacy in our hearts, and we will never forget her. We are at peace knowing Lydia is again with her beloved husband, Richard.

A time of visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. on Monday, December 12th, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. Funeral services will immediately follow and be held at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, with Pastor Terry Evans officiating. For those unable to attend, a live stream of the service will be available on Goodwine Funeral Homes' Facebook page or by visiting www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com/live-stream/live-stream .

Burial will be in the Robinson New Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to "Crawford County Humane Society" or to the "LTC Foundation", with envelopes available at the funeral home.