Merridy Belle Williams

The Merridy Williams Society, a planned giving program.

In 2007 Merridy Williams left a bequest to FamilyWorks through her will. This “surprise” gift allowed us to purchase and install the large freezer and refrigerator in the food bank, pre-pay our food bank rent for several years, and place more than half of the money in an interest bearing account earmarked for the food bank in times of great need. What a legacy!

In honor of this significant gift, we have established The Merridy Williams Society to give our supporters a way to make strategic gifts that will help assure the future of FamilyWorks as a resource for those in need for as long as necessary. Anyone who leaves a bequest through their will becomes a member of the Merridy Williams Society automatically. If you have named FamilyWorks in your will, you are already a member and we’d like to know who you are! We would like to gather everyone who is in the Society. If you would like information about making a bequest or other planned gift, please contact Jake Weber:

Contact Jake p: (206) 694-6726 / e: jakew@familyworksseattle.org

Merridy and her husband, Heustin, volunteered for many years at the FamilyWorks Food Bank, and found hundreds of ways to make a difference in the lives of people who used the food bank. They brought produce from their garden and handed out “starts” for people to grow their own. They came dressed as Santa at Christmas and passed out toys to the children. Each hour they worked at the food bank was an opportunity for them to share a conversation, stories and their positive spirit. As William Gates Sr. said about Merridy: “I know beyond a doubt that my sister would be delighted with the recognition you are directing to her, with naming the FamilyWorks planned giving program after her.” Like Merridy and Heustin, we thank you for strengthening individuals and families through your investment. http://www.familyworksseattle.org/donate/planned-giving-program

Washington Births, 1907-1919 about Merridy Belle Gates Name: Merridy Belle Gates Birth Date: 16 May 1918 Location: Seattle Sex: Female Race: White Father's Name: William Henry Gates Mother's Name: Lillian Elis Rice Image Filename: 2437

1930 United States Federal Census about Merridy B Gates Name: Merridy B Gates Gender: Female Birth Year: abt 1919 Birthplace: Washington Race: White Home in 1930: Bremerton, Kitsap, Washington View Map Marital Status: Single Relation to Head of House: Daughter Father's Name: William H Gates Father's Birthplace: Washington Mother's Name: Lillian E Gates Mother's Birthplace: Washington Occupation:

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View Image Neighbors: View others on page Household Members: Name Age William H Gates 39 Lillian E Gates 39 Merridy B Gates 11 William H Gates 4

Washington, Marriage Records, 1865-2004 about Merridy Belle Gates Name: Merridy Belle Gates Spouse: Heustin Eugene Williams Marriage Date: 9 Sep 1939 Marriage Place: Kitsap Date Recorded: 14 Sep 1939 Reference Number: psktsmc11655

1940 United States Federal Census about Merridy Williams Name: Merridy Williams [Merridy Gates] Respondent: Yes Age: 21 Estimated Birth Year: abt 1919 Gender: Female Race: White Birthplace: Washington Marital Status: Married Relation to Head of House: Daughter Home in 1940: Bremerton, Kitsap, Washington View Map Street: Sixth Street House Number: 231 Inferred Residence in 1935: Bremerton, Kitsap, Washington Residence in 1935: Same Place Sheet Number: 6B Attended School or College: No Highest Grade Completed: High School, 4th year Weeks Worked in 1939: 0 Income: 0 Income Other Sources: No Neighbors: View others on page Household Members: Name Age William Gates 54 Lillian Gates 51 Merridy Williams 21 William Gates 14

Washington Death Index, 1940-1996 about Merridy B Williams Name: Merridy B Williams Date of Death: 2 Feb 1995 Place of Death: Seattle Age: 76 Estimated Birth Year: abt 1919 Residence: Seattle Gender: Female SSN: 386-16-6401 Certificate: 002731

Social Security Death Index about Merridy Williams Name: Merridy Williams SSN: 386-16-6401 Last Residence: 98199 Seattle, King, Washington, United States of America Born: 18 May 1918 Last Benefit: 98199 Seattle, King, Washington, United States of America Died: 2 Feb 1995 State (Year) SSN issued: Michigan (Before 1951)