Regina Faye Williams

Regina Faye (Funk) Williams

Regina passed away in the early morning hours of February 19, 2026. A true native of Sunnyside, she was born August 25, 1936 to Boyd Funk and Della (Amy) Funk.  She spent her lifetime in Sunnyside and had a head full of memories that she enjoyed sharing: going to Denny Blaine school, being bussed out to Wendell Phillips school, and being the first class to graduate from the new high school in 1955. 

Because Regina was born and raised here in Sunnyside, she knew everyone, where they lived, and their family history.  She spent many years working at Giffen’s Department Store for her brother, Noble and also at Coast to Coast/Ace Hardware for her brother-in-law, Ralph McConnell.  All of her children’s classmates knew who “Mrs. Williams” was because her kids volunteered her for everything to help out in the classrooms.

We have so many memories (fond, funny, and unforgettable) from vacations and family get-togethers.  Deep sea fishing when she got horribly seasick, clam digging on her birthday when Dad got the car stuck in the sand, camping trips to Glenwood, family weddings when she would loosen up and enjoy herself, sharing her coffee nudge recipe with bartenders from Washington to Pennsylvania.  She was just the kind of woman people enjoyed being around.

Regina loved to bake.  There was always some kind of homemade dessert at her house. She made the best cinnamon rolls from scratch.  She also spent many hours baking and making candy for the Christmas holidays as she and Bob always hosted the family Christmas Eve gathering.  Almond Roca, peanut brittle, chocolate chip cookies, oatmeal cookies with jelly in the middle were just a few of her specialties.  The best part was, she would share with everyone! 

In her younger years, Regina also enjoyed crocheting and knitting. Many around Sunnyside were the lucky recipients of tablecloths and afghans that she had made for special occasions.

As empty nesters Regina and Bob spent many happy days on the Oregon coast, often with Regina’s friend-for-life LaVerne Laughlin and her husband Lee. 

Regina is preceded in death by her father and mother, Boyd and Della Funk, her first husband, Gene McConnell, her husband of 64 years, Bobbie Jack Williams, two brothers, Noble Funk and Wayne Funk.  Also, her sister, Marilyn Hullibarger, her former son-in-law, Darrell Hall, and great-granddaughter, Kirsten Phillips.

Regina is survived by her daughter, Gena Gomez and husband, Santos, her son Kevin Williams and wife, Jerri, and four grandchildren, Jeremy Schaal, Heidi Prengaman, and Ron Phillips and their families and Jessica Williams. She is also survived by six great-grandchildren, her brother Lynn Funk and wife, Marlene and her very best friend of 80+ years, LaVerne Laughlin and son, Clint Laughlin.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to Sunnyside Care Assisted Living for their thoughtful and tender care over the past few years and to Heartlinks Hospice.  Any memorial donations in Regina’s name can be made to Heartlinks Hospice.  

Graveside Memorial Service will be held on Monday, March 16, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. for both Bobbie (Bob) and Regina at the Lower Valley Memorial Gardens, Sunnyside, WA.  Those wishing to sign Regina's online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com     Smith Funeral Home is in care of arrangements. 

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