Eva Leona (Bolte) Williams, 79, of Elkton, SD died on May 31, 2013 at the Avera Flandreau Hospital after a long and courageous battle with colon cancer. Throughout her trials, she maintained a strong faith, independence and will to live. She inspired many around her with her quick wit and humor. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M. Monday June 3 at the Eidsness-Zink Funeral Chapel in Elkton. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday June 4 at the United Parish of Elkton, with Pastor Darren Junker officiating. Burial will be at the Elkton Cemetery. Eva was born on April 19, 1934 to Frank and Ona (Kennedy-Mueller) Bolte in Richland Township of Brookings County, South Dakota. She was confirmed in the Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church of Elkton. She attended school in Elkton. Eva was united in marriage to Lyle Williams on June 17, 1952, in Pipestone, MN. Eva traveled extensively with Lyle during his career in the US Navy. She was busy being a full-time, stay-at-home mom and loving wife. Together they raised five children while living in many locations, mainly on the West Coast but, also the Philippines and Hawaii. Following her daughter Linda's passing, they raised their granddaughter, Amber. During her lifetime Eva had many part-time and full-time jobs including working in the Elkton Cafe during high school. After Lyle retired from the Navy the family returned to live in Elkton. She later worked at The Prairie Cafe in Brookings, then as a morning waitress for many years at the Holiday Inn of Brookings. When the couple purchased Lyle and Eva's Salty Dog, she spent many hours working there in addition to the Holiday Inn. Eva's Fireworks stand at the state line near Elkton was another endeavor she took on for 27 years. She also worked for Lauren and Nancy Herrick as a cook at the Flandreau Country Club. There was always a pot of coffee on for family and friends. Coffee was also important while writing letters. Two recipients of these letters were lifelong friends, Doris Sallade, and Marlene McGuire, who still reside in California. Eva played several instruments, but her favorite was the guitar. Her response when asked what kind of music she liked was "Country music, is there any other kind?". She meant mostly traditional country, although she liked many other types of music. She was a longtime member of the Elkton American Legion Auxiliary. Her hobbies included bowling, reading, sewing, gardening, singing and yodeling, hunting and fishing. Eva also enjoyed sharing stories about life in the various places she lived, especially the Philippines. Many hours were spent playing Yahtzee, Scrabble, cards, and other games with the family. Relaxation time included working picture puzzles, doing crosswords and word-searches, drawing and making crafts. Although not an avid collector, she accumulated a small collection of owl statues. Survivors include five children: Wayne (special friend, Delores) of Elkton, Sherry (Pat) Landrum of Mankato, MN, Warren (Donna) of Brookings, Larry (DeAnn) of Flandreau, SD, Amber (Matt) Morlock of Volga, SD; three sisters: Marles (Arnie) Berthelsen, Wood Lake MN, Gloria Petersen, Wood Lake, MN, Darla (Loren) Wilaby of Hot Springs, SD, and a brother, Larry Bolte of Elkton; grandchildren: Laura (Brandon) Lindsey of Good Thunder, MN, Kyle, and Macy Williams of Flandreau, numerous adopted grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Eva was preceded in death by her her husband, Lyle; daughter, Linda (Hillmer); sisters Mae (Bolte) and Verginia (Thompson); and her parents.