Juanita (Sissie) Williams passed away peacefully on Nov. 2, 2026, at the age of 94. Born in Winnemucca, Nev., on Oct. 31, 1932, to Clarice and Manuel Begino, Sissie grew up immersed in the ranching communities spanning from Winnemucca to Denio. 

While attending Crane High School, she met her future husband, Alan Williams, whom she married on Oct. 12, 1951. The newlyweds started their married life ranching in Van, just up the river from Drewsey. Sissie often shared fond stories about working alongside her husband during these early years, including memorable encounters with cougars and rattlesnakes.

In 1953, Alan worked for the Harney County Road Department, and Sissie worked at the Porter Sitz store in Drewsey. During this time, they were blessed with their daughter Kay. In 1961, they went into business for themselves and purchased the Valley Service Station in Drewsey. Wanting to expand their family, Alan and Sissie adopted a baby boy, Josef Williams. Life was good as they worked side by side, raised a family, and ran a business.

Tragedy struck in 1975 when a fire took their home, business, and all of their belongings. Over the next couple of years, they struggled to keep their business going while they rebuilt. Together, they successfully rebuilt what they had lost at Valley Service. Tragedy unfolded once more when a long-fought battle with a brain tumor took their daughter Kay in 1992. After thirty years of running Valley Service Station, Harney County awarded them Business of the Year in 1992.

After retiring, Alan and Sissie moved to Ontario, then later to Vale, where golf, grandchildren, and family consumed their lives. Juanita (Sissie) Williams lost the love of her life and longtime dance partner, Alan Williams, in 2023. A true love story that lasted 72 years. Sissie will be greatly missed; she never complained, had a sharp sense of wit, and deeply enjoyed music and life. We know she is dancing in heaven with her loved ones!

Sissie is preceded in death by her husband, Alan Williams; daughter, Kay Williams; and parents, Clarice and Manuel Begino. She is survived by her son, Josef Williams; daughter-in-law, Monica Williams; and grandchildren, Chase Williams and Danyelle (Matthew) McBride; as well as her great-grandchildren, Rhylan and Corbyn Williams.

A Funeral Mass for Sissie will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026 at 11 a.m. (MT).  Mass will be held at in Vale at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 690 A Street W., Vale, Ore.

The burial will follow at Valley View Cemetery, 1699 Valley View Rd., in Vale, Ore.