Isabella Barbara "Barb" (Bills) Williams

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Isabella Barbara “Barb” Williams on Sunday November 23, 2025 at the Lacombe Regional Hospital.

Barb was born December 30, 1932 in Van Nuys California and spent her childhood between California and Crossfield AB. Barb attended the University of Alberta and received her teaching certificate in 1953. It was while teaching in Eckville that she was introduced to the love of her life Alan Douglas “Doug” Williams. They were married in 1957 and eventually settled just east of Lacombe where they remained until 1980.

The family started to grow in 1963 when their son Boyd came along, then Ron in 1964 and completed the family with a little sister for the boys, Lori in 1966.

Barb loved teaching and even after the children came along she spent many years as a substitute teacher in what is now the Wolf Creek School District. She loved baking, decorating cakes and sewing. She made many birthday and wedding cakes for family and friends.

In 1980 due to Doug’s health he, Barb and Lori moved to Las Vegas, NV. When asked why they moved to Las Vegas, the answer was always because it was a great “people watching” place. Barb tried retirement but soon grew bored, so she found a part time job in a fabric store. She loved being able to use her sewing talents but missed the classroom. She decided to return to the classroom becoming a special education aide in the Clark County School District. In 1991 some health issues brought them back to Alberta and the farm east of Lacombe became home base once again. For the next few years they split their time between Alberta and Nevada living in their motorhome fulltime. Barb always said she didn't like housework so living in the motorhome was just fine with her.

In 2000 Doug’s health required them to give up the nomad lifestyle and they built a house in Lacombe where Barb remained until her passing.

Barb volunteered with various organizations including the Lacombe Nursing Home Auxiliary and once again used her teaching skills by becoming an ESL tutor with lifelong learning. Barb loved being social; She faced adversities in her life but kept her positive attitude and remained fiercely independent, staying in her home on her own until the end.  She faced adversities in her life but kept her positive attitude and remained fiercely independent, remaining in her home on her own until the end.

Hockey was one of her favorites, and most recently, she could still be found cheering on her grandson at the Lacombe Generals games. The addition of the great-grandchildren brought even more joy, and she kept her fridge covered with pictures of her family. Barb leaves her children: Boyd (Donna), Ron, and Lori (Darren) McCrea.

Grandchildren: Jared (Daniele) and Conner (Katie) Williams, Colton (Sarah) and Chase McCrea. Great-grandchildren: Sloane and Rory Williams, Greyson and Bennet McCrea. Also, many special nephews and nieces.

The family would like to invite you to a Social Time on December 02, 2025, from 1–4 pm at the Lacombe Legion to share memories and celebrate Barb’s life.  

In Memory of Barb donations may be directed to the Lacombe Palliative Society: https://lacombepalliativecare.ca/donate/

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Isabella Barbara "Barb" (Bills) Williams, please visit our floral store.