We celebrate the life of Viola Varga Rakentine who went to be with the Lord on July 7, 2012. Viola was born in Phillipsburg, PA on March 19, 1917 to Louis and Helen Varga. Viola was preceded in death by the love of her life, Lloyd William Rakentine who passed away in 1992 after celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. Viola was a devout Christian and served the Lord through the actions of her life. She and Lloyd were among the founding members of Ridgewood Park United Methodist Church in Dallas. There she taught Vacation Bible School, served as President of her Circle and wrote the newsletter for the United Methodist Women for many years. Before her marriage to Lloyd in 1942, Viola worked as an LVN. Viola served as President of the Lakewood Garden Club, the Greater Lakewood Shepherd Center, volunteered as a “candy striper” at Presbyterian Hospital, served as a voting clerk for 42 years, and with Lloyd volunteered much of her time to the Republican party. Among her other interests and talents, Viola loved to do oil painting, write poetry, paint ceramics and collect antiques.
Viola is survived by her daughter, Ilona Rakentine O’Brien; two granddaughters and their spouses, Erina O’Brien Alvarado and husband Andrew, and Alyssa O’Brien Ramsey and husband Matthew; three great-grandchildren, Mia Alvarado and Millie and Cannon Ramsey; and foster brother, Stuart Tears. Besides her husband Lloyd, Viola is preceded in death by her parents and five brothers and sisters.
Private burial. Memorial service at 11am on Saturday, July 14 at Ridgewood Park United Methodist Church. Reception following.
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