Nov. 30, 1934 — July 21, 2025
Elsie Mabel Williams, 90, passed away peacefully on July 21, 2025.
A memorial service will be held at Perl & Siskiyou Funeral Home & Siskiyou Memorial Park, 2100 Siskiyou Blvd. in Medford, at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 1. Donations instead of flowers may be made to the Southern Oregon Humane Society.
She was born on Nov. 30, 1934, in Tower City, North Dakota, to Roy and Mabel Smith.
After the passing of her mother when Elsie was just 5 years old, the family eventually relocated, first to Portland, Oregon, and later to Phoenix, Oregon. Elsie had one brother, Alvin Smith (deceased), and a beloved cousin, Jack Rinn, who was like a brother to her throughout her life.
Elsie graduated from Star of the Sea High School in Astoria. In 1954, she married John Laferriere. They raised five children: twins Dan and Sue, Edward, Richard, and Antoinette (Ann).
Elsie was a devoted and energetic mother and community member. She was active in Girl Scouts of the USA, loved camping, and especially cherished the many family vacations to national parks. John passed away in 1978.
Elsie had become a small business owner two years before when she purchased the King’s Shopper on Kings Highway in Medford. She took great pride and joy in the community of neighbors, loyal customers, and suppliers she cultivated during her years building a successful local business.
Elsie met and married Paul Williams. They shared a love for golf, traveling across the U.S. and abroad, and welcoming friends and family into their home. Their constant humor filled their home and made it a welcoming place for all. Her joy in entertaining, hosting family gatherings, and staying active in her community was a hallmark of her life.
Elsie gave generously of her time and heart. She volunteered with St. Vincent de Paul’s homeless outreach and was always ready to help friends in need. She was a proud member of the Quail Point Ladies Golf League, the Red Hat Ladies, and the Pear Blossom Doll Club.
As a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, she had been deeply involved in the Catholic Daughters of the Americas. Their mission, to live faith through love and work for justice, equality, and human dignity, deeply resonated with Elsie’s values.
Elsie will be remembered for her wisdom, humor, generosity, and enduring spirit. She had a special way of making folks feel seen and cherished.
She is survived by her husband Paul; son Dan and his wife Ginny, their children Emily, Elliot, Michael, grandchildren Parker, Preston, Scott, their great-grandchildren Damon and Jack; daughter Sue Kosmatka and her husband Vic, their children Joshua, Keela and Benjamin, their grandchildren Remi-Marie, Yena, London and Kairos; son Ed, his children Vanessa and Arianne, his grandchildren Parker and Warren; son Richard and daughter Antoinette. She was also survived by her treasured cousin Jack Rinn, his wife Judy, who was like a sister to Elsie, their children Christin and Nick, and grandchildren Abigail and Lily.
Obituaries may be submitted to Ashland.news via our online article submission form, or via email to [email protected], with a photo or two attached if desired. Please be sure to include dates of birth and death, and reference to connections to Ashland/Talent/Southern Oregon. Please allow a few days for posting. There is no charge. Those wishing to make a donation supporting the Ashland.news service may do so here.
