Viola Holm

Viola Jessie Lobdell-Holm, age 96, passed away in her home, surrounded by family, on Saturday, October 20, 2018.

Viola was born on May 15, 1922 in Lincoln, Nebraska to parents Goldie Olivia Johnson and Earl Irwin Lobdell. She was the oldest of seven children. Viola attended school until she needed to begin work to help her family through the great depression. She had an extraordinary work ethic and worked several different jobs through her lifetime until she moved to Polson, Montana in 1976 where she worked at Western Bee until she retired in 1985.

Viola married Elmer August Holm on May 8th, 1944. She supported her husband from home while he was away fighting in World War 2, and the Korean War. She was proud to be a veteran’s wife until Elmer passed away from a heart attack in 1975. She was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, and grandmother. She was loved by many in the community due to her kind heart and helping hands.

In her younger years, when Viola wasn’t busy with her volunteer work at the local elementary Cherry Valley School, or teaching Sunday School at the Lakeview Baptist Church, you could find her baking or cooking. She was famous for her homemade pumpkin and apple pies, cinnamon rolls and bread, and her chicken noodle soup. She was always busy embroidering and crocheting dish towels, or hand-making quilts for her grandchildren, who she babysat throughout their childhoods. Her grandchildren will especially remember Viola during Christmas time as she made it festive and joyous for everyone around her, from the tons of decorations to the smell of fresh made sugar cookies coming from her kitchen.

She is preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her four brothers and two sisters. She is survived by her only daughter Gail Ward, her five grandchildren: Janette Muth, Johnny (Jodi) Ward, Jeff Ward, Justin (Amanda) Ward, Julie (Dan) Alexander; her four great-granddaughters: Jenny (Codey) McKee-Asbury, Jami Usher, Skyler Muth, Patience Alexander; her only great-grandson Connor Alexander; her first great-great grandson who is on the way; and her several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Viola was a strong woman who loved her family deeply. She will always be missed and will live in our hearts forever.