Ellen Louise Pearson Williams peacefully passed from this earthly world on November 4, 2024.  Her life was filled with love, service, laughter, hard work, and an enduring faith.

On August 14, 1935, at her Aunt Grace’s home in Groveland, Idaho, a little dark-haired baby girl was welcomed by Henry David and Hazel Belnap Pearson. They named her Ellen Louise Pearson, but she was always called Louise.  She joined older siblings David Ross, Hilda May, and Ray Don.  One sister, Margaret Ann, had died previous to Louise’s birth. 

Louise was raised and educated in Moreland, Idaho. She began working in the fields at a very young age setting a standard of hard work her entire life. Life was not all work, she loved to learn, play sports, and developed a mischievous streak. At age 12, Louise passed the driving test and received her license.  Louise graduated from Snake River High School in 1953.  She loved competing, playing neighborhood football and school intramural sports. Her senior year, Louise was secretary of the Science Club.  As a high school prank, Louise and her friends hoisted an outhouse to the top of their rival school.

In the fall of 1953, Louise enrolled at Ricks College, where she was a member of Kappa Psi and the Ricks Women’s Recreation Association, winning both the volleyball and basketball tournaments her freshman year. While leaning out of the second-story window of 121 College Ave, she started a conversation with a cute boy walking to class.  And so began a love story that lasted almost 69 years on this earth and continues for eternity.

Clyde Leland Williams and Ellen Louise Pearson married and sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple on May 5, 1955.  They first lived in Malad and then Pocatello, where their first child, Daralis, was born.  After returning to Ricks, Sandra joined the family.  In 1958, Clyde graduated and they moved back to Malad where they raised their family and worked the ranch. During that time Carol, Tim, Thomas, Terry, Kay, Pam, and Ted were born.

Her talents blessed her family and beyond. Louise was an exemplary seamstress, avid crocheter, embroiderer, tole painter, an amazing cook, and had the greenest thumb, to name just a few. Her hands were always busy.

Whether participating, coaching, umpiring, or viewing, sports were important to her.  She played softball until she was 55, after which she shared her knowledge with the high school softball team. Always a Yankee’s fan, she attended her first game at Yankee Stadium
in 2014.

When her youngest child began school, she began working as a custodian for the Church where she developed a life-long friendship with Ruth Thomas and Marilyn Ward, 

Louise was quick-witted and loved to laugh. She loved sharing stories of her youth and family. Her “can’t never could” attitude helped her solve problems and learn new skills. 

Louise was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in September 1943 in the cold water of an irrigation ditch.  Not surprisingly, their first calling as a married couple was Ward Dance Instructors. Some of the other callings she held were Primary President, Relief Society Councelor, Ward Missionary, Ward Librarian, but her favorite was as Ward Greeter with Clyde. No one got by them without a hand shake, fist bump, high five, or hug.   Even when her voice was weak, her prayers were full of gratitude and requests of blessings for her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchild.

“Grandma Wheez” will be missed by not only her family but all those she touched with her love and service.  It wasn’t unusual to have a neighbor child knock on the door to see if “Wheez” could play or seeing her pass out smarties at church.

Louise was grateful for her family’s love and support; the Hands of Hope caregivers, especially Brittny, Shannon, Debbie, Krista, and Shay; the young men who brought her the sacrament every Sunday; and Dotty’s visits with rootbeer float in hand.

Louise is survived by her children Daralis (Jim) Robinson, Sandra “Sam” King, Carol Rabuck, Tim (Keren) Williams, Thomas (Julie) Williams, Terry (Amy) Williams, Kay Haney, Pam (Leon) Duce, and Ted (Tami) Williams; 55 grandchildren; 60 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; and a brother-in-law and his wife, Carl (Jeanne) Williams and a sister-in-law, Joan Williams. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings David (Ernestine) Pearson, Margaret Ann Pearson, Hilda (Leon) Gummersall, Ray (Phyllis) Pearson, and sister-in-law, Joanne Pearson. Nadine (Everett) Conrad, Neva (Milt) Christensen, Selma (Earl) Yearsley, Brent Williams and Larry Williams; sons-in-law, Bert King and Ronald Rabuck; granddaughter Janet Robinson; and great-grandson, Kooper Perry.

There will be a viewing on Thursday, November 14th, from 7 pm - 9 p.m., and again on Friday, November 15th, from 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., at the Horsley Funeral Home, 132 W. 300 N., Malad, Idaho. The funeral will be Friday, at Noon, at the Malad Third Ward Building, 400 N 200 W, Malad, Idaho.