Viola Katherine Lilje, age 95 of Davenport, passed away on Monday, October 29, 2018. She was born to Rudolph (Rudy) F. Raugust and Katherine (Katie) Juliana Raugust on April 9, 1923 in a farmhouse near Odessa. She grew up on a farm/ranch 8 miles northwest of Davenport at the headwaters of Stock Creek. She loved living on the farm and had many fond memories.
In 1940 she met Joe Lilje, and in 1945 they were married and enjoyed their life together for 73 years. Joe and Vi had 4 children who adored her for her beauty both inside and out. She loved her children dearly, and later, their spouses as if they were her own, and her grandchildren to follow. She was a gracious hostess, wanting all who came to feel comfortable and welcome to return. And like her parents, she was a great cook and tireless worker.
Her beautiful spirit was reflected in all that she did. From her home, her garden, her love of wild flowers, and flower arrangements, her interests in painting and design, Vi was continually striving to change and improve. She loved to share her efforts with others.
Joe and Vi started their family in 1946 and moved to Davenport in 1951 where they started the Western Auto hardware store, eventually becoming Western Auto and Lilje’s Fine Furniture & Carpet. Vi’s focus was on the latter.
Some of her other accomplishments included the 1939 Lincoln County Fair Queen, a BA in Home Economics and Education from Washington State College, member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, active in the First Presbyterian Church notably, one of the first women Elders, the Davenport Study Club and P.E.O.
She is survived by her loving husband Joseph B. Lilje, sons James J. Lilje (Diana), Randolph B. Lilje (Robin), daughter Katherine A. Lilje-Kennedy (John), Grandchildren Matthew (Stephanie), Nathan, Morgan (Lexi), Katie, Anna (Wes), Aidan, Nolan, Grace, and great grandson Jackson. Viola is preceded in death by her parents Rudolph and Katie Raugust, her son William John Lilje, and a grandson Daniel Lilje.
A memorial service will be at the Davenport First Presbyterian Church, 904 Morgan Street, Davenport, WA at 3:00 pm on Friday, November 30, 2018. The family will greet friends from 4:00-6:00 pm at the Davenport Memorial Hall, 511 Park Street, Davenport, WA. Memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, 1403 S Grand Blvd #2025, Spokane, WA 99203 or go online and donate to Alz.org. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.stratefuneralhome.com for the Lilje family. STRATE FUNERAL HOME, Davenport, WA is caring for the family.
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