Violet “Vi” Zawada passed away on March 30, 2023 in Soldotna, Alaska, after battling pneumonia. She was born June 6, 1929 to Jack and Iola Kemp in Edgerton, Wyoming, the youngest of three children.
Vi attended country school and high school in Broadus, Montana, eventually moving to Miles City to live with her grandmother and Uncle Amos. Joseph J. Zawada and Violet were married on June 3, 1949. They adopted two boys to complete their family.
In her younger years she enjoyed being on a bowling league. It was her privilege to sew on the many badges they wore on their uniform tops. She also followed the boys through their many sporting events and was a cheerleader sponsor for the Sacred Heart High School.
Vi was a lifetime learner and treasured learning new things. After Joe retired, she found a job at Sandhills Sewing Center where she learned the newest technology on the embroidery and sewing machines. Vi was also an avid quilter and left many people with the legacy of her quilts, table runners, and wall hangings. Computers were a tool that she loved, and she spent a lot of time learning how to record old recordings to CDs.
In 2017 at the ripe age of 88 years young she joined Rick and Becky on the move to Alaska. She always commented, “You are never too old for a new adventure.” Vi truly enjoyed her time in Alaska; watching moose, quilting, and not having to cook.
Vi is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Joe Zawada, and a grandson Jake Forman.
Vi is survived by her sons Joe (Jackie) Zawada of Billings, MT and Rick (Becky) Zawada of Soldotna, AK, her grandchildren Chris (Denise) Zawada of Cave Creek, AZ, Callie (Garrett) Sowder of Billings, MT, Jr. Zawada of Soldotna, AK, and Mandy Forman, and great grandchildren Cade, Jace, and Jax of Cave Creek, AZ and Shea Sowder of Billings, MT. She also leaves behind her many friends and relatives near and far.
Service Schedule
Visitation
9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Monday April 17, 2023
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Prayer Service
11:00 AM
Monday April 17, 2023
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Graveside Service
Following Prayer Service
Monday April 17, 2023
Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Luncheon
Following Graveside Service
Monday April 17, 2023
The Parlor
1806 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Visitation
9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Monday April 17, 2023
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Prayer Service
11:00 AM
Monday April 17, 2023
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Graveside Service
Following Prayer Service
Monday April 17, 2023
Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Luncheon
Following Graveside Service
Monday April 17, 2023
The Parlor
1806 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Share
Jerry and Donna says
Rick,Becky and family, we are so sad to see Vi has passed. She was so full of life. Glad she was able to enjoy the years in AK with your family. Hugs and prayers to all of you. Jerry and Donna
Pat Blumhorst says
Vi was such a wonderful lady to me and my kid, loved her to pieces. May she be resting in peace with our Lord.
Joyce Vera says
Dear Rick & Joe,
Vi was a great lady, we have lots of memories growing up in the neighborhood. She and my Aunt Polly & Uncle Joe always played cards and we enjoyed her cooking. Nobody made better caramel’s and Christmas treats like your Mom!! I’m sorry to hear of her loss, but am glad she spent her last years with her family. Please take care of yourselves and know that she will be with you always in your hearts and memories!!
Joyce (Braunbeck) Vera
Clara Jo says
Sorry to hear about Vi passing .. what a wonderful lady .She was such a joy to sew with her, and all the things she taught me my life was very blessed . May God Bless you with all the beautiful memories everyday . Always ClaraJo
Chuck and Sue Nissen says
Rick & Joe…it’s always sad to lose someone we love. We both still miss our parents. I remember Vi being a very Christian woman so I envision her in her new eternal life giving praises to our Father God and His Son Jesus just sewing and embroidering away. Your memories will bring laughter and tears but you will cherish each one. Chuck and I send our deepest regards. We’re smiling as we recall wonderful memories of Joe and Vi Zawada. They were both wonderful people. We got out of touch over the years but never forgot. May God bless you and all of the Zawada family.
Brian & Peggy says
Rick & Becky family,
Sorry for your great loss.
God’s peace and comfort.
Sharon J.W.Kemp says
Vi was a wonderful person, and very, very talented. She will surely be missed by all who knew her. Prayers for her family and friends.
Diane M Welbes says
SO sorry to hear this–she was a great lady. Thoughts and prayers to you all.
Al Homme says
How very sad, she was a first class lady
Sherry Sprenger says
Rick and Joe and family
We were so sorry to hear that my dear Aunt Vi passed. I loved getting Christmas cards from her each year. She will be greatly missed.
Bob and Sherry Sprenger
Donna Taylor says
So sorry for your loss. Vi was a wonderful woman.
Timothy Wagoner says
Rick and Becky it saddens my heart to hear of Vi’s passing. She was one of my favorite people in my life. I remember her making me hot chocolate and all the conversations we had. She was exeptional when it come to researching her computer problems. Everytime I worked on her PC she showed me all the things she tried. When she had a problem she couldn’t fix it was a doosy. I will miss her.
Moonyean Tessmer {Braunbeck} says
Joe, Rick and Family’s My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Vi was a very special lady, she will be missed by all. My memories go way back to when I was a little girl and was in Joe & Vi’s wedding, I was their flower girl and yes, I baby sat for you boys. Joe, that is where I started calling you half pint. I really have great memories but way to Meany to share. I would need a book. Vi RIP and until we all meet again, I will keep all of you in my prayer and thoughts. Love Moony
Shorty & Judy says
Rick, Becky So Shocked and sadden To hear about Vi our thought and prayers are with you all praying that God will give you all the strength now and in the days to come RIP VI
Mike Bissell says
Joe and Rick, So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing! Always enjoyed your Mom. She was a great Lady, was so nice to “the guys” when we were with you at your house! Hope your memories provide you comfort.
Peanuts Money says
So sorry to hear about your Mom Joe and Jackie! What a wonderful lady!
Wade and Donna Larson says
So sorry to hear of Aunt Vi,s passing she was a wonderful person, we had a lot of interesting conversations. She will be missed
Bryan & Shannon says
What a wonderful woman she was. Great seamstress and conversationalists. She will surely be missed. Here’s to wonderful memories.
Milt and Gayle Sausedo says
No words can express how sad we are to hear of Aunt vi’s passing. Missed her when she moved from Miles City. She shared and taught us so much about the past and family. An excellent seamstress and am proud of the pieces she made for us. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Rick, Joe and family, RIP pretty lady.
Lorrie Holman-Clemons says
Joe and Rick,
So sorry to hear about Aunt Vi’s passing. I remember going to her house with mom, she always had to show us her new sewing projects. And she could make the best fudge ever. She will definitely be missed be everyone.
Ed and Becky Gergen says
Joe and Family/Rick and Family – A few years ago it was sad to see Vi leave the neighborhood and move to Alaska…she was a great neighbor. Now it is sad to see that she has passed on. Vi was a wonderful lady to sit and visit with. As they say, The Greatest Generation is leaving us way too fast.
shirley Dent-Sorlie says
Awesome friend will miss our talks have so many happy memories my prayers and love for family Vi was part of my life she was sunshine forever got to wear her wedding dress
Mary Anne Hathaway says
Dear Joe and Jackie and Rick and Becky and families,
I am so sorry to hear about your mom! She was a wonderful lady, and so much fun to be around! Always so hard to lose our parents, no matter how old you are or how old they are. Please find comfort in knowing you have another angel watching over you!. Thoughts and prayers are with you all.
With sincere sympathy,
Mary, Anne
Kevin and Lori Donnelly says
Rick and Joe Sorry to hear your loss.
I am at a lost for words. Lots of good memories.
Both Joe and VI treated me very good.
Sorry to see them go. Hopefully they will put in a good word up there for me. Sure miss the old days would like to revisit them. Life was so less complicated then.
May God be with them and the rest of the Zawada’s.
Kevin
Kim Kelly Peterson says
Joe and family I am sorry to see the passing of your mother. My prayers are with you.
Cori Hanel says
Joe and Rick, sorry about your mom. There are many memories growing up in the neighborhood. Our parents made great times for all of us. I will always think of your mom in the kitchen having coffee.
Shirley Reese says
I’m so sorry to hear of Vi’s passing. She was a good friend many years ago. Vi taught me to crochet, and that required a lot of patience!
Agnes Hafla Cremer says
Joe and Rick
I am so sorry to hear of your mom‘s passing. We were good friends.
Agnes
Daniel DINARDI BILLINGS MT says
Rick and family we are so sorry for the loss of your mother, at least she got to see one of the most beautiful
states around. May she rest in peace, God Bless
Sandy McFarland Hays says
Joe, Jackie, Rick, Becky and .Family, Sending my prayers and condolences to you during this difficult time.
Dorthy M Ley says
So sorry for your loss Rick & Becky With me being gone from MC for the better part of 10 years, I didn’t even know you had sold the welding shop & your business Becky but am so glad you got to spend quality time with Vi. She was such a joy & help in the sewing shop. She was a beautiful lady, inside & out.