Obituary of Viola Harms

Viola Esther (Christiansen) Harms, the daughter of Martin and Bertha (Philiph) Christiansen, was born November 20, 1921 in May City, IA. She was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in May City. Viola attended grade school at Harrison Township #4, completing her education at Hartley High School, graduating with the class of 1940. On May 30, 1940, Viola was united in marriage to Harold Harms at Ocheyedan, IA. To this union three children were born; two daughters, Cheryl and Sonya, and a son, Kenton. Harold and Viola lived their entire married life around the May City-Hartley area except for 18 years spent in western Washington State (1965-1983). Viola passed away at the Buena Vista Regional Medical Center in Storm Lake, IA on Sunday, August 19, 2012 at the age of 91. Viola was a lifelong member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in May City where she belonged to the Ladies Aid and LWML, serving as president of the LWML NW Zone. She participated in her church choir, and held several offices in the local Walther League chapter and LWML Societies. She also served as president of the Hartley Hospital Auxiliary, and for many years, reported local news events for the Hartley Sentinel and Ocheyedan Press newspapers. In her late 70’s, Viola took a computer course at NCC College at Sheldon. Upon completion, she worked for four years with the NW Iowa Alzheimer’s Association also in Sheldon. Knitting and crocheting were of special enjoyment to Viola, as well as sewing and quilting. She always found time to play a hand of cards or a game of Scrabble with friends. Bowling and travel were among her many interests, with the trip to Hawaii being a special highlight. Viola was especially pleased when she celebrated her 90th birthday last November, thoroughly enjoying the company of many local friends and out-of-state relatives. Yet her greatest delight was always found in the time she spent with her family. Viola was preceded in death by her parents, Martin and Bertha Christiansen; husband, Harold Harms; brother, Donald Christiansen and grandson, Tracy Gruhn. She is survived by her children: Cheryl Gruhn of Primghar, IA; Kenton Harms of Camarillo, CA and Sonya (Lee) Asche of Shelton, WA; three grandchildren: Jason Gruhn, Kris and Kelly Asche; two great-grandchildren: Zachary and Brionna Asche, as well as other relatives and friends. Funeral Service 10:30 a.m. Thursday, August 23, 2012 St. John’s Lutheran Church May City, Iowa Officiating ~ Rev. Paul Johnson Organist ~ Luella Heilman Soloist ~ Annette Bernier Special Music ~ “Just a Closer Walk with Thee” Congregational Singing Processional ~ “The Lord Is My Shepherd” - #710 Recessional ~ “Just As I Am” - #570 Pallbearers Dennis Harms Keith Harms Warren Harms Calvin Harms Gary Noble Kenny Philiph Honorary Pallbearer Keith Schnurr Burial Harrison Township Cemetery May City, Iowa