Jean Ann Williams

Jean Ann (Mentis) Williams, 89, died peacefully on Nov. 9, 2017, with her loving family at her side. She was born Jan. 4, 1928 in Indianapolis, Ind. to Christos N. and Edna (Rodgers) Mentis. She was a graduate of Broad Ripple High School and on Aug. 17, 1947 she met the love of her life, LaVay T. “Bill” Williams.

She retired in Dec. 1993, after 41 years as a Systems Analyst with Ameritec/AT&T and was a member of The Pioneers and the Pi Omicron chapter of Sigma Beta Philanthropic Sorority in Indianapolis.

In 2004, she moved to Fountain Hills to be near her daughter and family. She was a member of the Family History Society of Arizona, the Fountain Hills Senior Center, and the Single Women’s Club.

Jean Ann, affectionately known as Grams and GiGi, was a loving, soft-spoken, generous soul who was a friend to all and epitomized the true meaning of a lady. She was an avid reader and adored animals.

She is survived by her daughter, Nikki (John) Van Reusen of Fountain Hills; granddaughters, Chandra (Tom) Mergan of Tempe, Nikki Jo (Jeff) Brown of Littleton, Colo.; great grandchildren, Addie Jo and Sam Brown, and Tom (Janell) Mergan of Grand Rapids, Mich.; and two great-great grandsons, Henry and Kaiden Mergan. She is also survived by nieces, Cindy (Jim) Phenis of Georgia and Debbie Williams of Phoenix; nephews, Jeff (Marge) Mentis of North Carolina, Chris (Leslie) Williams of Texas, J.R. (Sally) Walker of Tucson and Jim (Donna) Walker also of Tucson.

Jean Ann was preceded in death by her husband, Bill, in 1985; her brother William Mentis and sister-in-law Charlotte (Kelly) Mentis and a niece, Kathy (Walker) Delair.

At Jean’s request, no services are planned. A celebration of her life will be held at a future date and the family suggests memorial contributions to Hospice of the Valley, Mayday Pit Bull Rescue and Advocacy, or any animal rescue organization.