Viola M. Banitt passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Good Friday, March 30, 2018 at Good Samaritan Society in St. Croix Falls, WI. She was 89 years old.
Viola was born on April 10, 1928 in Turtle Lake, WI to parents, Edward and Anna Colburn. She grew up on a farm in Taylors Falls, MN. After her family moved to St. Paul, MN she met and married her husband of 42 years, Willis C. Banitt on June 6, 1946. While Willis served in the military, they traveled to many countries, and when he was deployed Viola raised their children Lois, Clyde, Gary, and Susan. After Willis passed away, she was blessed to have shared her life with companions, Wayne Miller followed by Galen Tone.
During her life, Viola worked at Ostling Arrows, Fabritech, 3M, and Wood Goods. She liked to collect coins and spoons from the places she lived and traveled to. She enjoyed being involved in the VFW Moose Lodge American Legion Auxiliary. Hobbies she enjoyed included fishing, dancing, attending local meat raffles, socializing with friends at the Northern Bar, and spending time with her family. Viola was a very witty, strong, and determined (stubborn) woman who was very caring and protective of her family. She was a fun loving and outgoing woman who enjoyed a full life filled with love and happiness.
She is survived by her children, Lois (Jack) Christensen, Clyde (Sarah) Banitt, Gary (Rose) Banitt, Susan (Joseph) Schommer; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; brother, Melvin Colburn; and many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Anna Colburn; husband, Willis Banitt; grandson, Carl Banitt; brothers, Raymond Colburn, Huntz Colburn; sisters, Betty Hall, Isabel McKenzie, Rose Rothbauer; daughter-in-law, Barbara Banitt; companions, Wayne Miller, Galen Tone.
A Celebration of Viola’s Life will be held at Rowe Funeral Home in Luck, WI on Tuesday, April 10, 2018 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Arrangements are entrusted to Rowe Funeral Home in Luck, 715-472-2444 and the Northwest Wisconsin Cremation Center in Milltown,
www.wicremationcenter.com.
