Viola Eleanor (Collins) Williams

March 20, 1926 - March 24, 2015

Viola Eleanor (Collins) Williams Obituary (Age 89) Passed away on Tuesday, March 24, 2015 in Kennewick, WA. She was born March 20,1926 in Great Falls, Montana, daughter of William Ellis and Anna Gunelia Evjen Collins. She completed grade school in Carter, Montana, and began attending high school in Fort Benton, Montana. During that time, both of her parents died unexpectedly within a few years of each other. Fifteen-year-old Viola moved to Colfax, WA to be near her sister, Anne. While attending the Assemblies of God Church in Colfax, she became closely acquainted with the pastors, Ralph and Vera Mader, who adopted her shortly thereafter. Viola graduated from Colfax High School in 1944, briefly attended Seattle Pacific College, and then returned to Colfax. In 1949 Viola met a young man who was helping her parents move. After a short courtship, she married Harry D. Williams on October 21,1950 in Colfax, where they lived until moving to Pullman, WA in 1952. They welcomed the arrivals of their two children, Rozanne in 1954, and Glenn in 1959. Early on Viola stayed at home to provide an idyllic, loving environment for her two children. Later she began a career that spanned twenty-five years at Washington State University where she retired as the executive secretary for the WSU Provost & Academic Vice-President. She and her family were actively involved with the Assemblies of God Chapel on the WSU campus, a ministry started by her adopted parents, Ralph and Vera Mader. Viola and Harry continued their involvement in church work at Calvary Christian Center in Pullman, WA where she served as the secretary-treasurer for fifteen years. After retiring, they moved to Clarkston, WA, in 1996, relocated to Mead, WA in 2000, and made their current home in Kennewick, WA in the spring of last year. Viola was musically gifted and enjoyed singing solos at church functions. Her other joys included hosting family gatherings where she shared her fabulous cooking skills, especially her home-baked cinnamon bowknots and banana cream pies. She was passionate about gardening, and the family home was always beautifully landscaped with seasonal flowers. Spring was her favorite time of year. She anxiously awaited the first signs of daffodils and tulips. It is appropriate that her birthday falls on the first day of spring. This brilliant flower, Viola, will always be remembered by her family and friends for her kindness, her nurturing, her loving spirit, and her faithfulness to others and to God. Surviving are her husband, Harry D. Williams of Kennewick, WA and her children, Rozanne Tucker of Richland, WA, son-in-law Paul Tucker of Richland, WA, and Glenn and wife Kathy Williams of Colbert, WA. Four grandchildren: Angie Lawson (Bryan), Shaley Wells (Matt), Eric Williams, and Bryan Williams (Chandra). Two step-grandchildren: Janelle Tucker Amato (Lance) and Ryan Tucker (Lacey). Five great-grandchildren: Clayton, Bryce and Gracie Lawson, Micray and Carter Williams. Five step-great-grandchildren: Jacob, Landon and Olivia Amato, Paizlei and Adelaide Tucker. A Graveside Service will be held at 2 PM, on Friday, April 3, 2015 at the Peone Cemetery 13100 N. Bruce Rd. Mead WA, 99021. Memorial contributions may be made to Gentiva Hospice, 22820 E Appleway Avenue, Liberty Lake, WA 99019.