L. Arlette Williams

Leah Arlette Williams, 91, of Wallace, NE, passed away on the morning of February 17, 2023, at her home.

Arlette was born on December 12, 1931, in Allendale, Missouri, to James Thomas and Elizabeth Francis (Gartin) Hazzard and was the oldest of four children. As a young girl, Arlette's family moved several times before settling in Madrid, Nebraska. She attended school there and completed her education before embarking on a new journey as a wife and mother. In 1947, Arlette married Estel M. Hutsell, and the couple resided in various towns throughout Nebraska and Colorado following her husband's work on the railroad. Arlette would live in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and Sidney, Nebraska, before settling in Wallace.

On August 28, 1981, Arlette married Clarence Williams at their home in Wallace, Nebraska. They lived in a mobile home while they built their permanent residence. With the help of family, they were able to complete their log home, and it became a beloved gathering place for their family and friends.

Arlette did many jobs and wore many hats, including as a waitress, bartender, housewife, and mother. She had worked at the Silver Dollar Bar and Restaurant for 13 years. Arlette was active in several fraternal organizations, including the American Legion Auxiliary, VFW Auxiliary, Eagles Auxiliary, and the Women of the Moose. She dedicated her time to these organizations and was instrumental in many initiatives, including fundraising for the 20th-century veterans memorial and collecting pop tabs to help families with children in the Ronald McDonald house in Omaha, Nebraska.

In addition to her involvement in these organizations, Arlette was also a talented cake decorator, providing cakes for many occasions and celebrations over the years. She enjoyed embroidery work, vegetable and flower gardening, country music, and dancing. She had an extensive collection of spoons. All of these things were a source of great joy and pride for her. Arlette will be missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her.

Arlette was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence Williams, her parents, siblings, son, oldest grandson, stepson, and stepdaughter. She is survived by her children Marvin E. Hutsell, Betty M. and (Mike) Courtney, Linda (Mike) Sloan, Cynthia (Terry) Huggins, Eva (Mike) Schaff, and Kathy (Rod) Haxton. She is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, as well as nieces, nephews, and special friends.

A celebration of life open house will be held in Arlette's honor at the Moose Club in North Platte on April 15, 2023, at 2:00 pm CST. Arlette's cremains will be interred in the Fort McPherson National Cemetery at Maxwell.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in her memory for later designation. Condolences may be shared at bullocklongfuneralhome.com.

Bullock Long Funeral Home of Grant is in charge of arrangements.