Viola Ann Shoemaker, age 93, died Monday, April 11.
Born and raised in Byron Center, Vi had an outgoing and cheerful personality from the start. She could make a friend with anyone she met and maintained those friendships throughout her life. After marrying Russell, they relocated to Wayland, where she worked as a school bus driver and for the Wayland Post Office. She loved her garden and life on the farm.
Vi loved her family unconditionally. She was involved at St. Therese Church and School in many capacities, and her faith was very important to her.
She is survived by her children Linda Shoemaker-Johnston, Janice (Gilbert) Goodwin, Dean (Tammy) Shoemaker, Colleen (Brian) Thomas, Marcia (Dan) Merren; 14 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; sisters Donna Ketelaar and Leora Roersma; and countless nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Russell Shoemaker; parents Theodore and Ethel Homrich; and sisters Crystal Terrell-Poll, Lorraine Lindsay-Kaverman-Brenner, Catherine “Bernie” Anderson-Church, Marcella “Sally” Ocobock-Sturm.
Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 19, at Kubiak-Cook Funeral Home (Dorr Chapel), 4330 18th St., with a Rosary at 3:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 20, at St. Therese Catholic Church, 128 Cedar St., Wayland, with visitation one hour prior.
In memory of Vi and in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Therese Catholic School or Kindred Hospice.
