Merrill “Cookie” Amy Williams
Merrill “Cookie” Amy Williams, a loving and supportive wife, mother and grandmother, died Saturday, August 6, 2022, surrounded by her loving family. Cookie, 73, of Bellevue, was born April 13, 1949, in Grand Rapids, the daughter of Melvin and Mildred (Raterink) Barton. She obtained an associate degree from The Lansing Business College. Cookie then began working for the U.S. Geological Survey. On May 6, 1972, Cookie married David Williams. Once they started a family she stayed at home with the children. She later started working for Signature Fundraising and later retired from Peckham Industries in 2012. Through all of her work Cookie was an exceptional shorthand writer. Cookie enjoyed bowling in her younger years, sewing, reading, shopping, watching the birds especially hummingbirds, and most importantly Christmas. She made sure that the holidays were always a special time of the year. Each year she would buy a new Hallmark ornament for family members to add to their collection. Cookie herself started collecting ornaments and encouraged David to do the same. She was also an immaculate gift wrapper. Above all her biggest passion was her family.
Cookie is survived by her husband, David; children, Scott (Ronda Gaedert) Williams, Deanna (Joe) Miller; grandchildren, Madisen Williams, Jersey Gaedert, Simon Miller, and Nathanael Miller; brothers, Mike (Vickie) Barton, and Marc (Tracy) Barton; and dear friend, Gwen DePeel. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Cookie’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Monday, August 15, 2022, from 10-11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Cookie’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the National Kidney Foundation. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.