Former Highland County treasurer dies
A graduate of Hillsboro High School, Williams began working for Highland County Treasurer Hershel Creed in 1968 and succeeded him in the position in 1980.
She served as Highland County Treasurer until her retirement on Sept. 30, 2006.
Williams was a member of the Highland County Democratic Party and was active in local government and politics, as well as social and religious groups, for many years.
Highland County Democratic Party Chairperson Dinah Phillips said that Williams was a friend who will be missed, and that the two worked together when they were first starting out.
"Ann was not only a friend and colleague, but we worked for many years together when we were both young and starting out. She worked for Hershel Creed, and I was with Judge (Darrell) Hottle. She was one of the youngest elected officials that Highland County had, for many years, after she succeeded Hershel."
Phillips said that Williams was dedicated to her office, and persevered in the job even when it became difficult for her.
"She had about 40 years of service to our county. During that time, you could always find her in the office," Phillips said. "She took very few vacations, and was just a really dedicated public servant. Later in life, when her arthritis was really bad, she would just struggle coming in to work. People would say, 'Why don't you stay at home?' and she would say, "I was elected to this position, and it is my duty to be in here.' She was truly dedicated to that office, and dedicated her life in service for the county. She did a great job, and she will really be missed, as a friend and as a colleague."
Phillips said that Williams ran unopposed in many elections, which speaks to the quality job she did.
"I can only remember one time that she had opposition," Phillips said. "When you run in a position like that, without any opposition, that many times, that means you are truly doing an incredible job. I just can't say enough good things about her, and about what she did for the Democratic Party She was one of the real stalwarts of the Democratic Party."
Highland County Auditor Bill Fawley worked in the same building as Williams for many years, and he said that she was a genuinely kind person.
"I worked with her for about 15 years, and that entire time I never heard her complain, or say anything unkind about anybody," Fawley said. "Even though were were from different parties, we always got along really well, and I thought a lot of her. She was always trying to be as helpful as she could be. She was a dear, sweet lady, who was very compassionate, and very caring."
In addition to her service to the county, Phillips said Williams could always be counted on for her work for the party, and a favorite dish that she always brought to carry-in dinners.
"She brought her ham loaf to almost every carry-in dinner," Phillips said. "If people wouldn't come out necessarily for the meeting, they would come for her ham loaf.
"She was truly dedicated, and it is a shame that she had to be taken so young," Phillips said.
Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012 at the Thompson Funeral Home in Hillsboro. John Porter will officiate with burial to follow in the Hamer Township Cemetery.
Friends may call Tuesday from 4-8 p.m. at the Thompson Funeral Home.
For more information, view Williams' obituary.[[In-content Ad]]