Barbara Ruth Williams

Barbara “Barb” Ruth (Bell) Williams, age 79, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away Friday, June 19, 2026, at her family home, surrounded by her loved ones. Barbara was born in Austin, Minnesota on April 30, 1947, to Albert and Ruth (Thompson) Bell. She grew up in Ausitn and went to Austin schools. She and had 2 daughters, Tammy and Tiffany. In 1987, she met the love of her life, Robert Williams. They were later married on December 31, 2003.

In her younger years, Barb was a bartender at many of the local hot spots. She loved to talk and serve others. What a perfect occupation! She was also known around town as one to never turn down a car or motorcycle race. She loved to drive fast and beat the boys! Barb loved to dance. If there was live music, she wanted to be there. She even tried square dancing lessons. She was so smooth on the dance floor and loved it when her husband or girls joined her, and they enjoyed it as well. Her smile would light up if there was 50’s or 60’s music playing and she had a Miller Lite with a glass of ice. Barb also enjoyed other past times such as bowling, roller skating, playing billiards. She was a pool shark! It was so fun to watch her beat the unsuspected!

In her later years, her and Bob spent a lot of time at the family cabin in Turtle River, MN where she found a love for fishing. Again, it became competitive, to see who would catch the biggest walleye. She loved sunset pontoon rides, with the music on. The family made many memories up north and will forever be a part of their heart. Barb was also an avid MN sports fan. If the Twins or Vikings were playing, you can bet she was watching, keeping stats, and dressed in coordinating sports colors. Speaking of coordinating, she always had to have her fingernails painted to match any outfit she was wearing. She took great pride in “her nails”.

Barb loved to shop. That may even be an understatement. If you ever needed anything, she had it or would make a special trip to get it. She even “excused” Tam and Tiff from school so they could take shopping trips. The family joke was: if she had one, she had 10. She also loved to eat out. Most restaurant managers affectionately knew her by name. Barb also loved her pictures. She was always taking photos. It became second nature for the family to pose for Grandma, for every occasion. She even tried, unsuccessfully, to master the selfie. But, before every picture, we had to pause for her to put on her red lipstick. That was her make-up staple.

Most of all, she loved her family, especially the grandkids! She enjoyed being present at her children’s and grandchildren’s activities. She was always in attendance, in the best Austin Packer gear. Even when the kids graduated out, she kept attending basketball games, being the unofficial score keeper with her little note pad and pen. Up to her last days, she pushed herself to attend their sports so she could cheer them on. Forever, their best cheerleader. All said, she was always busy, never sat down.

Barb is survived by her husband, Bob Williams; children, Tammy (Bernie) Boverhuis, Tiffany (Dustin) Abbott, and Kim Schummer; grandchildren, Ava, Ezra, Dax, Ryan, Owen, Shannon, Derek, Halie, Jaden, Colton and Gage; her Omaha family, Judy, Kenny, Donnie Wayne, and David; brothers-in-law, Rick (Anne) Williams and Butch Williams; nieces and nephew, Tesa, Ryan, Katie, Chistine, John, Todd, Danny, Jeffrey and Kimberly’ and many other loved ones. She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Ruth Bell; brother, Robert Bell; sisters-in-law, Jean, Marge, Sandy, and Janet; brothers-in-law, Donnie and Jerry; son-in-law, Brad; and Omaha family members, Della, Doug, Gloria and Jason.

The family would like to send a special acknowledgment to Tena Ludwigson and St. Croix hospice for their loving care during the last few months, which helped the family during this difficult time.

A Memorial service for Barb will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday July 1, 2026, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin, Minnesota. Visitation will take place from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday June 30, 2026 at St. Olaf Lutheran Church and will continue one hour prior to the service. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes of Austin are assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.