Abbey Cathleen Williams

1952–2025

Abbey Cathleen Williams, age 73, passed away on December 30, 2025. A woman of singular focus, remarkable skill, and immense courage, Abbey will be remembered as a lifelong “workaholic” who found her greatest purpose in the mastery of her craft and in helping others through her expertise.

Abbey’s life was a journey of transformation. After living her first 52 years as a man, Abbey spent the past 21 years living authentically as a woman. This transition was a testament to her inner strength, allowing her to live the final decades of her life with a sense of peace and true identity.

During those first 52 years, Abbey was known as William (Bill). Bill attended Sacred Heart School and Dowling High School in West Des Moines before graduating from Tech High School in Des Moines. During his high school years, Bill began his lifelong path in the electrical and mechanical trades. Following graduation, he married Peggy Tilton, with whom he had three children: Christopher, David, and Amy. Bill proudly served in the United States Navy from 1970 to 1976, an experience that sharpened his technical discipline. He continued to pursue advanced electrical and nuclear training after his service, becoming an accomplished electrician and contractor. In 1983, he married Lisa White, with whom he shared 22 years of marriage.

In her final 21 years, Abbey remained active in the electrical trade, right up until her passing. During this time, she worked at and retired from the United States Post Office, and she owned her own business called Abbey’s Electric. She was happiest when busy on a job site, but she also had a heart for helping people. This was evident in the friendships she formed and the time she dedicated throughout her career to guiding and mentoring apprentice electricians.

Abbey is survived by her son, David Williams; her daughter, Amy (Travis) Sobaski; grandsons, Logan and Jack Sobaski; her sister, Mary Van Horn; her brother, Steve (Chelle) Williams; extended family and close friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frances (Bill) Burow and Richard (Gerri) Williams; her sister, Christine Williams; her brother, Rick Williams; her brother, Douglas Williams; and her son, Christopher Williams.

A Celebration of Life will be held at AmVets Post 2 in Des Moines on January 8, 2026, at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the USO or to AmVets Post 2, where Abbey was a proud member.