Violet Marie Barnes was born October 15, 1917 in Swanton, Ohio. Her parents were Albert (Bert) and Nora Walters. Her mother, Nora, was a widow. She and Bert were both 32 when they married. Violet had two older half-brothers along with her four brothers. Harley, Ray, Voyle (her twin) and Albert (Ross). She grew up on a farm. She suffered from asthma beginning when she was eight years old. Winters were cold in Ohio and she was sickly. She attended a one room school. Violet and Russell met at school. He was two years older. When she was 20 and he 22 they married. They built a home on the Barnes farm property. There the first two children were born—Sandy and Karon. Their son, Tom, was born two years later at the Toledo Hospital. In 1946, Russ and Violet packed up their children and moved west—to Phoenix. Violet’s doctors told her she needed to move to a warmer climate. In Phoenix she became a healthier woman. Violet was a wonderful baker and was known for her pies—called Vi’s Pies. She was proud of her son, Tom, when he graduated from ASU. When he married Judy, she felt she had another daughter. She enjoyed her grandsons, Mike and Brian. Several years later, her third grandson arrived—Matt. She loved being a grandmother and when Karon married Bob she got two more grandsons—Brad and Chris. She had 13 great-grandchildren and 13 great, great- grandchildren. In her middle years, she learned to play golf. She even got a “hole in one”. Amazing! She and Russ enjoyed their trips to Las Vegas and Laughlin. Russ passed away in 1987. Violet spent time traveling with her daughters and their families. The San Diego beach, Pinewood, rafting on the Colorado, Payson– just to name a few. She was a beautiful woman who took great pride in taking care of herself. She wouldn’t go to the mailbox without her lipstick on. Her final years were spent at Bethesda Gardens. She was a much loved feisty woman. She was at peace when she passed away on April 2, 2015. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The Crossing: Hospice Care, Inc., 1500 E. Bethany Home Rd., Suite 250, Phoenix, AZ 85014 or Bethesda Gardens, 13825 Cave Creek Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85022. Life is too short for drama and petty things, so kiss slowly, laugh insanely, love truly, pray often and forgive quickly.
Cheri Lovejoy
Aunt Violet was so special to me for as long as I can remember. Our visits to Phoenix are so vivid in my mind. I adored her and cherished my time together. She and my Dad (Voyle) were so similar being twins. Our friends as adults would vacation with us in Phoenix, and always come away calling her their ‘Aunt Violet” too! Love to my cousins, Sandy, Karon, and Judy.
I Love her and will miss her. Cheri
Phyllis Rasmussen
I remember my first impressions of Vi, what a beautiful smile and loving nature. She was always dressed to the nines and moved with grace.
We wrote back and forth for a number of years. I always enjoyed her spirited letters.
I will miss you Vi.
Phyllis
Phyllis Rasmussen
My memories of Vi are of a spirited beautiful woman who was always dressed to the nines.
We wrote to each other for a number of years and I always enjoyed her letters full of love and spice.
I will miss this wonderful woman,
Phyllis
Edward A. Van Horn
Vi was indeed a beautiful woman. We felt privileged to have known her and enjoyed corresponding with her over the years. She loved her family fiercely, and was so proud of all of you. Our thoughts are with you as you make the difficult adjustment to her passing, and we will remember her with great fondness as we wish you peace.
With loving condolences,
Ed and Linda Van Horn