Viola Kingsley

Viola Kingsley was born in Varina, IA on August 6th, 1921, to Henry and Barbara (Wagner) Theesfeld. She was one of 14 children. She had many occupations, beginning with farm work in her childhood years. Viola later attended the National Defense Training School, specializing as an aircraft riveter. In 1943, she became “Rosie the Riveter,” placing ribs on the trailing edge of glider wings. Later she worked at Avon, waitressed, and worked in retail for Montgomery Ward, from which she later retired.

Viola would tell you her greatest accomplishments were being a loving wife to her husband Milton Kingsley of 61 years and a mother to her four children, Nancy, Dick, Jo Ann, and Kevin. She was a funny and caring Catholic woman who was definitely not afraid to give you a piece of her mind, whether you liked it or not. Viola loved to ballroom dance, travel, play cards, win at bingo, go to the casino, and feed family and friends. She would never turn down a hot cup of coffee and a honey bun.

Viola is proceeded in death by her parents, Henry and Barbara Theesfeld; husband, Milton Kingsley; 12 siblings, Julia, John, Harold, Anthony, Albert, Marie, Ronald, Darlene, Joseph, Wayne, Colleen, and Thomas; son Richard (Dick) Kingsley; son Kevin Kingsley, and grandson James Russell.

Survivors include: Duane Theesfeld, brother; Nancy Totton, daughter; Jo Ann Blackwell, daughter; six granddaughters, Lisa Schrieber, Barbara Hernandez, Leanne Cramer, Dawn Kingsley, Dana Logan Wisdom, and Christy Blackwell; five grandsons, Doug Kingsley, John Russell, Joe Russell, Beau Logan, and Travis Walker; 23 great-grandchildren, and 11 great-great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held at Christ the King Church on Saturday, August 3, 2019 at 9 a.m. in Kansas City, MO followed by a Catholic Service. Burial will be held at Mt. Olivet after services in Raytown, MO.