Audrey (Little) Williams

Audrey Williams, 79, Grand Forks, died Monday, Oct. 6, 2014 at Altru Hospital, Grand Forks. Audrey Little was born Oct. 23, 1934 in Mayville, N.D., to Dr. R.C. and Marion (McNair) Little. She was raised with her older brother Jim, and graduated as salutatorian from Mayville High School in 1952. She was a Kappa Kappa Gamma in college, and graduated from North Dakota State, an experience that gave her two things: a home economics degree and the love of her life. Audrey met Douglas Williams in the flute section of the Gold Star Band, and the two were married Dec. 17, 1955 in Mayville. They soon made their home in Grand Forks where Audrey was a home appliance demonstrator for Northern States Power. After a move to Bismarck, the Williamses lived in Fargo where Audrey hosted the "Mealtime" segment on "Party Line." They returned to Grand Forks in 1969 where the couple raised their three daughters. In 1975, Audrey began her 22-year career as director of Home Delivered Meals, a non-federal, donation-operated program which could not afford to pay her first salary until she got down on her knees, prayed and received $1,000 from the local beer distributor the next day. She always said God ran the meal programshe was just the director. Audrey was active in 4-H, church choir and United Way throughout her life as well as two respective church book clubs and Thursday Music Club at the time of her death. She enjoyed singing and cooking, was a prolific reader and loved the outdoors. "Grandma W" had a happy personality, a positive outlook on life and will be missed by her friends and family. Audrey is survived by her husband Doug, Grand Forks; daughters Kathy (Keith) Anderson, Sioux Falls, S.D., Amy (Lee) Richau, Ft. Collins, Colo., and Rebecca (Robert) Dura, Fargo, N.D.; grandchildren, Erik Anderson, Tim (Gabby) Anderson, Aris (Steve) Wilde, Doug Richau, Jack Dura and Rachel Dura. She is preceded in death by her parents and brother. Celebration of Life Memorial Services will be 4:00 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18 in Wesley United Methodist Church, 1600 4th Ave N., Grand Forks with visitation one hour prior to the service in the church. The family prefers memorials to Wesley United Methodist Church, Home Delivered Meals and the Salvation Army.