Viola Suits Palumbo

Viola Suits Palumbo, 87, of Springfield, passed away at 7:55 a.m. on Monday, November 17, 2014 at Bridge Care Suites. Viola was born on June 8, 1927 in Quincy, Illinois the daughter of Frank and Ruth Elligsen Hutmacher. Viola was the Director of Operations for the Illinois State Senate for 15 years. She then served as the Director of Special Events for the Illinois State Fair, from which she retired. In 1948, Viola earned the title of Miss Illinois and later in life also competed in Senior Miss Illinois. She founded the Illinois County Fair Queen Pageant and was its director for 35 years. She had a great love of traveling, and visited many countries around the world. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Palumbo, and parents. She is survived by two sons, Mark (wife, Bonnie) Suits of Greenview and Jay E. Suits of Baton Rogue, LA; four grandchildren, Adrianne (husband, Alan) Suits Bailey of Springfield, Lindsay J. Suits of Springfield, and Austin and Brett Suits of Baton Rogue, LA; one brother, Frank (wife, Georgia) Hutmacher of Springfield; and several nieces and nephews. Visitation and Ceremony: Family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. until the time of the ceremony at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, November 21, 2014, at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th Street, Springfield. Graveside Ceremony: 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 22, 2014, at Calvary Cemetery, 1730 N. 18th Street, Quincy, Illinois, with Celebrant Judy Woerner officiating. Cremation will be accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center following ceremonies. Memorial contributions may be made to: St. John's Breadline, 430 N. 5th Street, Springfield, IL 62702.