Virginia Margaret Shorey Williams passed away Sunday, Aug. 9, 2009 in the company of her family.

She was born Dec. 28, 1931 to the late George Shorey and Margaret Raiche Shorey. She was an enrolled member of the Kewanee Bay Chippewa Indian Tribe in Michigan.

She graduated from Chiloquin High School and Sacred Heart School of Nursing in Eugene, Ore. She was a registered nurse who served in the emergency room at the Tuba City, Ariz. hospital on the Navajo Indian Reservation, as well as school nurse for many years at the largest Native American boarding school in the country in Tuba City until her retirement.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 48 years, Homer John Williams, and by her younger sister, Corrine Shorey. Her survivors include her children, Susan M., attorney; John L., teacher/musician; and Margaret C., accountant; her grandchildren, Rachelle, Ben, Megan, Lily and Louis; her great-grandson, Daniel; her sister Jackie; her cousins and her godson and nephew, Frank Blythe.

Virginia served for many years as president and board member for the Tuba City Public School system, advocating language, culture and top quality education for many children. She was awarded the Arizona State School Board Member of the Year by the state superintendent of education.

She and Homer raised their family in the Catholic and Native American faiths and taught them always to be of public service. She was also involved in environmental cleanup in the Tuba City area. Her favorite flowers were roses.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held Aug. 13 at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Bernalillo, N.M. Interment was at Sunset Cemetery in Gallup, N.M. Casket Bearers were Frank Blythe, Michael Barela, Brandon Barela, Ben Williams, John Boyd, Louis Joe, Geoff Maddox and George Llewellyn. Honorary Bearers were John Williams, Norman Llewellyn and Eddie Williams Jr.

Those who wish to express condolences may do so at www.danielsfuneral.com.