Mrs. Violet Louise Fitzgerald Thompson

Violet was born on March 26, 1935 in Beresford, South Dakota and was the daughter of John and Theressa (Gandrau) Fitzgerald. She graduated from Beresford High School and attended Cosmetology School. She worked as a Beautician in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

On February 19, 1935, Violet married Wilmar (Bill) A. Thompson in a little country church outside of Beresford. In 1960 they moved to Gresham where Bill and Violet raised their family and farmed together for over 40 years.

Violet was a very active member of Trinity Lutheran Church. She served in the Women’s Circle and did hospitality for church functions. She also spent over 20 years working with Zaraphath Ministries helping to distribute food items to the local needy families.

She had many interests. She enjoyed sewing, quilting and baking. She always had a homemade treat available for anyone stopping by to visit. She also enjoyed walking and trips to the Oregon Coast. She had a beautiful talent for gardening and maintained a lovely collection of flowers and plants in her yard. She also served on the board for the East Eagle Estates Association where she was in charge of the grounds keepers and helped care for the plants and flowers around the complex.

Violet is survived by her husband, Wilmar of Gresham, children: Rose Dougherty of Albany, Oregon, Carla DeWaters of Plainwell, Michigan, Laurie (Steve) Faulkner of Enumclaw, Washington, Peggy Hoagland of Oregon City, Oregon, and Patrick Thompson of Cebu City, Philippines along with 12 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Surviving siblings include sisters, Veronica Muller, Marge Wilson, Helen Bridenstein, Mildred Shea and Lucille Schriever and brothers, Johnny Fitzgerald Jr & Jerry Fitzgerald.

A Visitation will be held on Friday, November 23, 2012 from 10:00 am -5:00 pm at Bateman Carroll Funeral Home. A memorial service will be on Monday, November 26, 2012 at 1:00 pm at Trinity Lutheran Church. Inurnment will be at Willamette National Cemetery. Contributions may be made in memory of Violet to the Zaraphath Ministries. Bateman Carroll Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.