Viola was born on December 14, 1926 to Bert and Elsie Smith in Kewanee, Illinois. She married Max E. Gruber, who preceded her in death on May 27, 1984.
She was also preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Ross Smith; a son, Rodger B. Gruber; and a great-grandson, Theodore L. Gruber.
Viola is survived by her sons, Randall (Judy) Gruber, Ronald (Therese) Gruber, Rick (Sandra) Gruber, 7 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and sister, Betty Walton.
After graduating from Kewanee High School, Viola was accepted into the cadet nursing program at St. Francis Hospital, where she trained to become a registered nurse. Viola's proud nursing career spanned 50 years, working at OSF, Methodist Hospital, Proctor Hospital, and with various doctors in private practice. She ended her career by providing home health care to the Peoria Area.
Viola's caring nature and love for nursing gave her the opportunity to care for many people and impact many lives throughout her career.
A funeral service will be at noon on Thursday, December 28, 2023 with visitation one hour prior to the service at Davison-Fulton Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home. A private family burial will follow at Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria.
Memorials may be made to Salem Lutheran Children's Ministry. Words of comfort can be shared with the family at www.Woolsey-Wilton.com.
