Mara Williams

Mara (Grods) Williams

June 13, 1942 – February 19, 2025

Mara (Grods) Williams passed away peacefully, on February 19, 2025, surrounded by her family. Mara was born in Riga, Latvia in 1942 to John and Milda (Lorbergs) Grods. Amidst World War II, her family was forced to leave Latvia. After spending time in displaced persons camps in Germany, she immigrated to the United States with her family at the age of seven. Her family made a new home in Longview, WA, and Mara was an area resident for around 70 years.

Mara graduated from R.A. Long High School in 1961, and went on to earn her bachelor's degree in education from Washington State University in 1965. She married Jim Axling in 1963. They were married for 9 years, and together they had two children, Jim and Katie. In 1973, she married Denzil Williams, with whom she shared over 51 years of love and partnership.

Mara was known for her friendly and welcoming nature, and her generous spirit. She loved helping others, and was always willing to give her time and energy to what she believed in. Mara was also known for her determination and strong-will, especially when she was passionate about something.

A devoted volunteer, she was a WSU Extension Master Gardener and an active member of the Master Recycler Composter Program, giving numerous composting talks around the Cowlitz County community and in area classrooms. She was affectionately known as "The Worm Lady."

Mara was also a long time member of Stella Lutheran Chapel. In her years as a member, she organized senior luncheons (Stellabrations), taught Sunday School, and played in the church bell choir.

Mara’s life was marked by resilience, kindness, and a commitment to community. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. Her happy place was being in her garden. Mara was at her happiest when she was digging in the dirt.

She is survived by her loving husband, Denzil Williams; her son, Jim Axling of Portland, OR; her daughter, Katie, and son-in-law, Doug Van Ness of Vancouver, WA; and her grandchildren, granddaughters Emily Van Ness and Tyesha Johnson, and her grandsons Emmett Axling, Owen Axling, and Sam Van Ness. She is also survived by her five siblings: John Grods of Alabama, Ilze Seglins of Olympia, WA, Aina McCormick of Snohomish, WA, Karlis Grods of Olympia, WA, and Talis Enyeart of Kalama, WA.

She was preceded in death by her brother Juris Grods; father, John Grods; her mother, Milda Enyeart; and her stepfather, Glen Enyeart.

A memorial service to celebrate Mara’s life will be held on April 12, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Stella Lutheran Chapel, 124 Sherman Rd, Longview, WA 98632. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made, in memory of Mara, to PeaceHealth Longview Hospice or Stella Lutheran Chapel.