Viola M. Bolen, 88, died at 2:40 a.m. on March 23, 2020 at Methodist Hospital Unity Point in Peoria, IL. Viola was born on August 31, 1931 in Havana, IL to Goldie and Garfield Pellhum. She was married on January 25, 1949 to Byford L. Bolen. Her parents and husband preceded her in death.
Viola was one of 12 children. She was preceded in death by brothers, Ted, George, Gilbert, Arthur, Kenny, and Wayne, and three sisters, Pearl, Dorothy and Mary. Viola had one son, Jack, who also preceded her in death. She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Elaine Bolen, grandsons, David and Aaron Bolen, and four great-granddaughters, Taylor, Savannah, Lalaina, and Rebecka. She is also survived by one sister, Harriett, and one brother, Harry and numerous nieces and nephews.
Viola was retired from the Illinois AFSCME union having worked at the Illinois State Hospital in Bartonville, IL as a nurse's aide. She was a member of Second Baptist Church of Peoria. She was an avid bowler, winning many trophies and awards over the years. She also loved to crochet and do other needlework. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to her church, Second Baptist Church of Peoria, or the American Kidney Foundation.
