Ronald Keith Williams

Ronald Keith Williams passed away following a short illness on July 8, 2026, surrounded by his family. Ronald was born in Winterset, Iowa on July 1, 1939, the second of five children of Straud and Lois Williams. He lived most of his life on farms near Patterson, Iowa, where he graduated as salutatorian from the final Patterson class of 1957. He married Shirley Stewart in March of 1959 at First Christian Church in Winterset.

Ronald owned and operated a farm near Patterson for 26 years. As a farmer he was a natural problem-solver who was always willing to lend a helping hand to others. He was known for his dedication to both the land and his neighbors, especially by helping his parents who farmed nearby. With his hard work ethic, he improved the land and built his home there, before moving to St. Charles, Iowa. Many residents of Madison County knew him as their rural mail carrier who delivered their mail for over 28 years. He was known to greet his elderly customers and often walked mail to their door.

In his later years, Ronald and Shirley enjoyed traveling in their RV to Casa Grande, Arizona, where they spent the winter enjoying the sunshine and making new friends.

As a farmer, Ronald learned to solve any problem, repair any machine, and share his expertise with all who asked. He leaves behind a legacy of four generations.

Ronald is preceded in death by his parents and his older brother, Harold. He is survived by his loving wife, Shirley, and two children, Rick (Becky) Williams of Des Moines, IA and Sherryl (Kit) Cochran of Woodward, IA; as well as his grandsons: Tyson (Candice) Cochran and Jason (Michelle) Cochran. Ronald treasured the time he spent with his grandsons and seven great-grandchildren. They loved his homemade ice cream for birthdays and holidays.

He will be missed by all who knew him as an honest and trustworthy man, a man of quiet faith. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.