Viola May Dunigan

Viola was born to Edward and Minnie Tooker, March 7, 1920, at the family homestead in Macleay, Oregon. Viola attended Macleay Grade School for 8 years, then graduated from Aumsville High School. She met the love of her life, William “Bill” Dunigan Sr. while attending a dance at the Macleay Grange Hall. On May 21, 1939, she was united in marriage to Bill and they enjoyed 68 years of wedded bliss. They made their home in Macleay, then moved to Salem in 1943.

After raising their three children, Rose, Bill Jr. and Bob, Viola spent the next 20+ years “raising” more children, by teaching the 2-year-old Sunday School class at Trinity United Methodist Church. She was also involved in the church’s women’s group and helped with their annual bazaar.

Viola also enjoyed meeting new people, so her “hobby” of helping another Avon representative, in the ‘60’s, became her career in the ‘70’s. She had many friends amongst her customers, and fellow representatives, and retired after 35 years.

She enjoyed gardening, crocheting, ceramics, embroidering, and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as being the neighborhood watch lady.

Viola was preceded in death by her husband Bill (July 2007); brothers George Tooker and Marvin Tooker. Viola is survived by her three children, Rose and Larry Rhoads, Bill Dunigan, Jr., and Bob and Karen Dunigan, all of Salem; 11 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, November 20 at Trinity United Methodist Church, 590 Elma Ave. SE, Salem, followed by a reception at the Church. Contributions or memorials may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church. Arrangements by Howell-Edwards-Doerksen with Rigdon-Ransom Funeral Directors.