Viola Alice Gramm

Our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend Viola Alice Gramm age 89 of Sunnyside, WA passed away on Sunday, April 10, 2016 in Sunnyside, WA. Viola was born May 25, 1926 in Greenway, South Dakota the daughter of John and Olga (Boehler) Jahraus. She was looking forward to her 90th birthday but missed it by few weeks. Viola grew up on a farm in Herried, SD. When she was a teenager, her best friend Alice Gramm introduced her to her big brother Clarence and love blossomed. World War II intervened and they were married quicker than planned on March 14, 1945. Clarence was sent to Pacific Beach, WA and Viola had to ride a train full of soldiers all by herself to join him. She said she was treated like a queen as she was one of the few women on board. After the war, Clarence and Viola moved to the Yakima Valley and eventually to Sunnyside. Clarence worked in construction and eventually bought a farm. Viola was able to stay at home with their two daughters, Karolyn and Kathy. Being a mother and a farmer’s wife kept her busy. After 60 wonderful years of marriage, Clarence passed away and Viola moved into Sun Terrace Assisted Living in Sunnyside. She lived there 13 years and thought of it as her home and the staff as family. Viola is survived by her daughters, Karolyn Rippy (Dan Evans) of Caldwell, ID and Kathy Berk (Rick) of Sunnyside, WA. She is also survived by five grandchildren Sean Rippy, Angie Hefner, Chrisk Berk, Andy Berk, Garrett Berk and six great grandchildren. The family would like to thank the wonderful team of caregivers at Sun Terrace who treated her with dignity, respect and love.

Viewing and visitation will be Thursday, April 14, 2016 from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Smith Funeral Home in Sunnyside. Graveside service will be held Friday, April 15, 2016 at 10:00 am at Lower Valley Memorial Gardens in Sunnyside, WA with Funeral Service to follow at 11:00 am at the Calvary Lutheran Church in Sunnyside, WA.  In lieu of flowers donation may be made to the Calvary Lutheran Church in Sunnyside, WA.   Those wishing to sign Viola’s online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com Smith Funeral Homes in care of arrangements.

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