Viola Phillips

Our dear mother, Viola Josephine Phillips, peacefully passed away on October 4, 2022 at the age of 101 years, at her daughter’s home in Ogema, Saskatchewan, with both of her daughters by her side. Viola was born June 3, 1921, in a farmhouse near Weyburn, Saskatchewan. A few years later, the family moved to a farm near Hardy, Saskatchewan, where Viola and her two brothers lived the typical life of farm kids.

Viola attended Lyon’s School and when she completed her education, went on to take a journalism course. Viola always loved to write stories, and they were published regularly in various newspapers. She won many awards for her articles over her lifetime.

On June 6, 1946, Viola married the love of her life, John Phillips, who farmed three miles west of the Engel farm. Viola worked on the farm alongside John, tending crops and livestock. In 1955, Viola had their first daughter, Vonita, followed by a second daughter, Veralin, in 1959.

Viola always was a very social person and enjoyed visiting with her neighbours often. In 1962, she decided to bring all of the neighbour ladies together once a month and alternate meeting at each other’s homes. So began the birth of the Big Butte Social Club. Viola led the club with fun activities, many laughs and once a year, they would go on sightseeing trips around the province. The following year, 1963, she started another club, the Birthday Club and the ladies celebrated the birthday of the month honouring the members. Both the Big Butte Social Club and the Birthday Club continued until 2018 and 2019. Viola was a member of the Omega Rebekah Lodge, from the 60’s until her passing, as a lifetime member. Viola was also a member of the Ogema Arts Council for several years and enjoyed painting pictures for friends and family members.

Another of her passions was music and she enjoyed playing the accordion by ear proficiently. It was something she had learned in her childhood home and she continued playing with bands to entertain in the community. In the early 80’s, Viola started a band called The Old Kids On The Block, and her band played at many dances in the surrounding towns and played in senior care homes.

Viola loved to dance and she and her friends, would carpool to various towns to partake in the fun. Viola was a member of the 21 Club, which consisted of members who were all born in 1921. When she first joined, there were 60 members and over the years, they dwindled down to just Viola, the last remaining member.

Through many years, Viola was a seamstress for people everywhere, and could even make men’s suits. She was well sought after by many people when word travelled fast of her sewing skills. She also cleaned homes and painted houses for people.

Funeral Service will be held Friday, October 14, 2022 at 2:00 pm at the Ogema United Church, Ogema, SK. Interment at the Ogema Cemetery. Lunch and fellowship to follow at the Deep South Pioneer Museum. Donations in Memory of Viola may be made to the Canadian Wildlife Federation.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.rossfuneralservice.com for the Phillips family.