Viola "Maebelle" (Justus) Williams, age 87 - a longtime resident of Elwood, died Saturday, June 16, 2012 at her residence after an extended illness. She was born June 3, 1925 in Elwood, the daughter of Cecil P. and Montie S. (Rominger) Justus. She worked as a telephone operator for Indiana Bell telephone company for many years. She also formerly worked for the Avon cosmetic company at their manufacturing facility in Illinois. Maebelle was a 1943 graduate of Elwood High School. She married James R. Williams on November 2, 1957. She formerly attended the First Baptist Church in Elwood and Main Street Wesleyan Church in Elwood. Maebelle was a very patriotic citizen who enjoyed politics and was an advocate for flying the American flag. She was an avid supporter of the Billy Mills group - "Running Strong for America" and the "Wounded Warriors" organization . In her spare time she formerly enjoyed crocheting and camping.

Survivors include her daughter, Lisa Rogers (fiancé John Christianson) of Elwood; 2 granddaughters, Stephanie Rogers and Allie Rogers of Elwood; step- sister, Edna Updegraff of Elwood; sister-in-law, Ruth Justus; former son-in-law Duane Rogers; special friends, Phil & Betty Trimble of Frankfort, Valerie Gibson of Sheridan, and Leroy & Betty Murphy of Elwood, and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 49 years, James R. Williams who died May 12, 2007, 3 brothers, Harold Justus, Gerald Justus, and Mike Justus; and half-sister, Joyce Justus.

Funeral services will be conducted Thursday June 21, 2012 at 2:00 PM at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Rev. Stan Alvey officiating. Burial will follow in the Elwood City Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4 to 8:00 PM Wednesday, June 20, 2012 at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Elwood V.F.W Honor Guard through the funeral home.
Online condolences: www.copherfeslermay.com.