In the early morning hours of March 29, 2015, our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend quietly died. Her passing was as she wished, in her sleep and in her own bed, in her own home. While we are mourning her loss, we are profoundly grateful for the many years we were blessed with her presence.
Viola Ruth Coulter was born, the middle child of 5 children, to Joseph Samuel Coulter and Eva May Miller Coulter on July 18, 1922 in Jamestown, North Dakota. At age 6, she and her siblings and mother returned to Montana where they lived briefly with her maternal grandparents, George and Edith Miller at Brusett. Later that year, her mother moved her family to Jordan. In 1930, Viola’s mother married Lawrence Swanser and the family moved back to the Brusett area. Viola inherited 4 step-siblings with that move and spent the remainder of her childhood growing up on the family ranch. She attended Garfield County High School and was Salutatorian of her 1940 graduating class.
After working as a bookkeeper for the Farmer’s Union in Jordan, she married Arthur Judson Ware on December 16, 1942 at the Presbyterian Church in Jordan. They worked on area ranches until Art was drafted into the US Army in 1944. She then became an Army wife, following her husband to Madison, Wisconsin and later to March Field, Riverside, California where she lived and worked while Art was deployed in the South Pacific. It was while she was at Riverside that her first child, Arthur Morris, was born in February of 1946. After Art’s service ended, the family moved to the Ware family homestead in the Missouri Breaks near Devil’s Creek and began a sheep ranching operation. In November of 1948, their second child, Brenda Lee, was born. The family left “The Breaks” in 1956 and moved south of Miles City where Art worked on various ranches. In 1958, Art and Viola purchased a ranch on Frazer Creek north of Jordan where they lived until 1994 when Art’s ill health forced them to move to Jordan to retire.
After Art passed away in 1996, Viola became a very active widow, volunteering numerous hours to the VFW Auxiliary where she was a life member and as a guide at the Museum. She was a frequent visitor to the Garfield County Care Center where she especially enjoyed their weekly Sr. dinners and monthly jam sessions. She was also an avid reader and regularly visited the county library. She continued to read and work crossword puzzles until the week of her death. She was a knowledgeable historian of Eastern Montana and Garfield County. Viola was a rare individual who was liked and appreciated by everyone who knew her. In addition to the many friends and extended family, she leaves behind her son and daughter, Morris and Mae Ware of Ingomar, Montana, her daughter, Brenda Lekse Brockett of Billings, Montana and Doha, Qatar, grandchildren Vicki, Kara, and Jason, and great-grandchildren, Cassandra, Katelynn, Kyle, Theresa Sage, Rayn, and CJ. She also leaves behind her sister, Lois Poulton, of Billings.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 2, 2015 at 1:00 pm at the VFW Hall in Jordan. A viewing is scheduled for Wednesday, April 1, 2015 from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Jordan. Interment will follow in the Pioneer Cemetery. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Memorials may be sent in Viola’s name to the VFW Auxiliary, c/o Sylvia Trumbo, P.O. Box 315, Jordan, MT 59337 or to the Garfield County Library, P.O. Box 69, Jordan, MT 59337 or to the charity of one’s choice. The family is grateful to the local community for the many years of care and support they extended to Viola which played a large role in her ability to live in her own home as she wished until her passing.
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday April 1, 2015
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Jordan, MT
Graveside Service
following funeral service
Thursday April 2, 2015
Pioneer Cemetery
Jordan, MT
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday April 1, 2015
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Jordan, MT
Graveside Service
following funeral service
Thursday April 2, 2015
Pioneer Cemetery
Jordan, MT
Share
Phil and Darlene Shawver says
Condolences and Prayers for Violas Family May you find Comfort in all of your memories and Gods Love She will be missed by all for the helpful things she did in the community.
Carol Rath Raschkow says
My deepest condolences for the family. Viola was always such a kind , pleasant lady..You are in my thoughts and prayers.. God Bless You.
Floyd & Kay Beecher says
We are so sorry to hear of Viola’s passing. She always had a smile and a laugh to share whenever we had occasion to visit with her. May you find comfort in knowing that she touched many lives in a very positive way. Our deepest sympathy to you all.
Mitzi Beecher says
Deepest Sympathy to the Viola Ware family thoughts and prayers to all god bless.
Janet and Edwin Clark says
So sorry to hear of Viola’s passing, she was a steady presence and always speaking and asking how you were. Viola had a servant’s heart and will be missed and remembered by all.
Joe and Bev Murnion says
Our deepest sympathy to all the family Voila was one of the greatest ladies I’v very know Will always remember the times I worked with her a the VFW Hall I loved her “I’m still here” when ask how she was She will be deeply missed pouring coffee and every where else
Judy Wilbur says
Sending my prayers to the family of Viola. She was a special lady, she was so good to my mom, called her twice a day. She will be deeply missed but will be remembered by all. Love and prayers.
Julie LaBree says
Morris, Mae, and Vicky-
Thinking of you all at this sad time. How nice she got to stay home until the end. No matter how long a life our parents live-it’s never easy to say goodbye. Your memories will keep you going until you meet again!
Neil and Phyllis Stanton says
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Viola’s family. She was truly a remarkable ldy, she never complained, always appreciated anything that was done for her, and always disliked having to ask for help. She was a great neighbor and friend. She will be missed.
Cathy Byron says
It’s hard to say goodbye to another life-long “neighbor.” I always enjoyed a visit with Viola when our paths crossed. And had occasion to watch her selecting books at the library. I’m betting she had read some of them more than once. She was so proud of her children and grandchildren. May the memories of the good times help your bridge this time of loss. If we could see where she is, we would quickly realize that it would be a selfish thing to wish her back. Our prayers and thoughts are with all of you.
Cindy Stanton says
My heart is so sad. I adored Viola. (She insisted I call her by her first name, though I was well into adulthood before I finally consented )
Viola was a magnificent lady and such a hard worker and very dependable. She will be missed. I just loved her hugs and cheery disposition.
My thoughts and prayers are with her family & friends. She was truly one of a kind.
Bill Conlon says
Please accept my deepest sympathy for your great loss. Words don’t always ease the pain when you are grieving the death of a loved one, but we hope you will find hope in Jesus’ promise of the resurrection hope (John 5:28,29) when he will rise up tho sleeping in death (John 11:11) restoring them back to life, on the renewed paradise( Acts 24:14; Luke 24:43) what a wonderful blessing to look forward too. Until then, may Jehovah God (Psalms 83:18) grant you peace and comfort during this grievous time. – Matthew 5:4.
Tim and Cheri Hafla says
Our deepest sympathy in the loss of your loved one. Viola always had a big smile and wanted to visit, she was a wonderful women..
Grace Larson says
Sending my sympathy Mae & Vickie . What a wonderful life . Your Mom had to have the spiritual strength to get through the tough times and the heart to enjoy the good .
Shane & Holly Harbaugh says
I can remember dances at the country school and Viola and Art dancing. I have enjoyed seeing her every month at the Town office and getting to visit with her. She was a very dear lady, I will miss her this month.
God Bless.
Cliff & Trudy Eckley says
Love & condolences to Morris & family & Brenda & family.. Deeply sorry Aunti Viola is gone from you now, is miss & grieved by family & friends; thankful she was granted her wishes in passing a special blessing to her. Jordan community is missing a wonderful part of their hearts. Aunti Viola was always hospitable & warm..ONE of my (Trudy) fondest memories of her cooking breakfast in their homestead cabin down in the Breaks across the coulee from Grams , lots of chatter from the grown ups, she didn’t miss a beat mixing up hotcake batter & fixins in the midst of big people talk & feeding up all, she took special time to ask questions of interest to each kid. Hospitable, kind & nice♥ come to mind: she is remembered with great love. Humbled & thankful such a fine lady was Aunti to us & Love in Christ Cliff & Trud
Gloria and DJ Milroy says
Our deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers to all of Viola’s family. Viola was a very special lady and her smile, kind heart and presence will be very much missed.
Susan Strand says
Morris, Mae, Vicki and Sage,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Your memories will always be alive and they will help the healing process. I know a big hole is in your heart now, but those memories will help to heal it in time. Take one minute at a time and remember the things that put a smile on her face and yours. My thoughts are with you always.
Susan
J.D. and Mary Alice Murnion says
Brenda and family and Morris and family,
If everyone had the work ethics your Mom had and the big heart it would be a much better world. I never forgot the day John D. and I went to the cabin in the breaks to buy some ewe lambs from them, she was not expecting anyone and within an hours time she had the best fried chicken dinner I have ever eaten on the table and the chicken was range delivery, nothing conveinient. I will miss her presence in Jordan. My sympathy to you all.
Tom and Claudia Stanton says
Our sympathy goes out to Viola’s family. She was a very gracious lady. She always appreciated any kindness shown to her and she gave a lot of kindness. Was a hard worker and put in many hours at the VFW being a faithful servant. God Be With You All.
Nell O'Connor Phipps says
Dear Brenda and Morris and families,
So sorry I couldn’t be with you at the funeral, as I truly admired and loved your mother, she was such a dear and kind lady. Please know I’m thinking of you as you are in my prayers and thoughts. She was a very devoted person and worked very hard all her life.
My sincerest sympathy, May Gods peace be with you.
John & Jenny Frady says
We are so sorry about your mother , I plan to attain the funeral ,but I had a denist appointment,I will miss her she was a great friend.may God Bless and peace be with you all.
bobbie carpenter ferguson says
I’m so very sorry to hear of Aunt Viola’s passing. When she called after we lost Mom I considered being able to talk to her a gift. She was well loved by this family and certainly by Mom. I pray that your families can find comfort and peace with each other. Be blessed.
Deanna Greenough says
My deepest love and sympathy to my cousins Morris and Brenda and their families for the loss of our precious Aunt Viola. Viola’s husband Art was my Mother, Alice H. Ware Carpenter’s brother.. My heart aches for all of you. Aunt Viola was nothing short of a Super Hero Sweetheart.. I will never forget the excitement in my Mom’s voice when she would tell me about her trips to Jordan for the Fourth of July Celebrations with Aunt Viola after our Father passed. They were dear dear friends and I’m sure are having needed “girl time” in heaven catching up on things. Thinking of all of you and hoping the special loving memories you have of Aunt Viola surround you and begin to heal your broken hearts. Love and hugs to all of you . . . .Deanna