Viola Darlene Irion, 98, passed away on January 29, 2015 at Prairie Community Nursing Home in Terry, Montana.
Viola was born at home in Watkins, Montana to Fred and Anna Marie Malicote on August 5, 1916. She graduated from Brockway High School and Eastern Montana College of Education. On December 23, 1938, she married Albert Irion. They had a wonderful life together with two sons, Dennis and Steven and were married for 39 years before he passed away in 1977.
Viola was a school teacher for many years. She taught at many famous schools such as Watkins School, Skull Creek, Irion School, Hatchet Creek, Strobel School and Fallon School; where she taught for 20 years.
Viola was always active in her church and loved the Lord with all her heart since being saved as a child. She served as a Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School teacher and church treasurer. She was also active with the 4-H club, PTA, MEA, Eastern Star and Library Board. One of her greatest joys was working on the Prairie County History book.
Viola loved hiking in the badlands north of Terry. Along with her very dear friend and companion, John Latimer, she logged many miles in the outdoors she loved. Well into her 80’s, she could often be seen walking along the highway through Terry with a steady gait and her ever present walking sticks that John would hand-craft for her.
Viola was preceded in death by her parents, husband Albert Irion, son Dennis Irion, sisters Matilda Johnston, Anna Malicote and Bertha Corbett. She was also preceded in death by her long-time companion and best friend of 36 years, John Latimer in 2014.
Viola is survived by a son, Steven (Tricia) Irion of Houston, Texas; grandchildren, Kevin Irion of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Trevor Irion of Jacksonville, Florida and Sannah (Joe) Brandt of Bozeman, Montana; and great grandchildren Merrell Irion, Jacqueline Irion and Emmerling Irion of Chattanooga, Tennessee and Sophia Brandt of Bozeman, Montana.
You were a wonderful mother, teacher and friend. We will miss your infectious laugh and wisdom…but…we celebrate with great joy your final arrival at home!
The family wishes to give a special thanks to her angel and caregiver over the past years, Suzanna Wollman. She faithfully watched over, loved on and cared for Vi through the difficult times.
Visitation will be held from 1-6 p.m. February 3, 2015 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home Chapel in Terry, Montana. The funeral service to celebrate the life of Viola will be held at 11 a.m. February 4, 2015 at Community Presbyterian Church in Terry, Montana with Pastor Brandon Willett officiating. Interment will follow in the Prairie County Cemetery. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Terry is in charge of the arrangements. Memorials can be given to Terry Community Presbyterian Church, Prairie Community Hospital or the charity of choice.
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday February 3, 2015
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
300 Spring Street
Terry, Montana 59349
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday February 4, 2015
Community Presbyterian Church
Terry, Montana 59349
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday February 3, 2015
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
300 Spring Street
Terry, Montana 59349
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday February 4, 2015
Community Presbyterian Church
Terry, Montana 59349
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judi cramer says
if we could all have the faith and grace of Vi, we would not have to worry about the gates of heaven… they will be wide open for her. she will be welcome home.
Ken and Vicki Hess says
What a wonderful lady. Not only a teacher but also a friend.
Lois Kranzler Bloom says
My thoughts and prayers go out to Steve and his family. Vi was like my second mom and she was always so kind and generous. She was a beautiful woman inside and out. I’m sure that Vi is happy in heaven with her family and friends now.
Candy Loehding says
I dearly loved Viola when I was teaching in Fallon in the late 60’s. She was a wonderful mentor, friend, teacher, and example. She lived a full and busy life, what more can we ask. Thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Aletta Shannon says
I remember the days with Vi as a teacher. Enjoyed her dearly! She was always so happy, a smile that made you feel special. And years after she retired, she always knew who you were and loved to visit. She will be remembered and missed!
Sending our Sincerest Sympathy to her family!
Arlen and Alice Miller says
We all have great memories of Vi , as our kids had her as a teacher in Fallon. Always enjoyed a vist with her . Thoughts and prayers are with her family
Carole Knutson Bettenhausen says
My brothers and I both had Mrs. Irion as a teacher and even though it was more than 45 years ago, we still remember her with love. She was always dressed “to the nines” and was such a lady; we always felt welcome and safe in her class room. When she and her family visited Hawaii one summer, she made certain to send each and every one of her students a postcard…and when she returned we all got to sample REAL pineapple from the islands. We also were invited to her home to watch the tv news of JFK’s assassination…what wonderful memories we have of her.