Viola LaVerne Dopps, born January 10, 1923 in Lamont, Kansas, softly surrendered life at the close of a glorious spring day, Wednesday, April 25, 2012 and began her stroll across heaven with Bruce, her husband of 62 years. She also joined her father; Robert Young, and mother; Dora Young, and siblings; Vera Yackley, Inez Banwart, Augusta Wullschleger, Wilma Young, and Willis Young, and son, Richard Dopps and granddaughters; Cari and Cheri Dopps.
She was survived by siblings: Judith Langhofer, Clarence Young and Liseten Strahm. Mrs. Dopps was a strong advocate and gentle nurturer of her seven sons including; the Doctors Fredrick (Nancy), John (Jody), Robert (Linda), Bradley (Rhonda), Mark, and Dan (Dana) Dopps; and three daughters; Naomi (Don) Hurst, Sharon (Bob) May and Melita (Brant) Bryan. All of her children were thankful to be reared by such a spunky, godly woman, full of common sense, playful spirit and tender heart. She had love enough for all 10 of her children. Each were sure that they were the favorite, but in truth Viola's favorite child was the one who was struggling the most at that time.
With candy in her pocket and a twinkle in her eye, Viola generously shared love and life with her 34 grandchildren; Rick Dopps, Lori Bronson, Sasha Majidy, Jacqueline Stevens, Michael Dopps, Camille Porter, Brian Dopps, Derin Dopps, Toben Franke, Cari Thunberg, Dustin Dopps, Sasha Parks, Rory Dopps, Ian Dopps, Brooke Cole, Matt Dopps, Devon Vickers, Jonathan Bryan, Stephanie May, Timothy Hurst, Alison Raymond, Ryan Dopps, Luke Dopps, Stephen May, Eric Hurst, Lauren Knight, Brian Hurst, Meredith McDaniel, Ashlee Dopps, McKensie Dopps, Danielle Herrington, Chandler Dopps, Rylee Dopps, Baylee Dopps, and 52 great grandchildren; Ashtin Cowart, Sharon Dopps, Jordan Cowart, Alecia Brown, Mahlon Parks, Alex Franke, J.J. Porter, Ryan Bronson, Skyler Boots, Zachary Winters, Justin Porter, Brandon Bronson, Jacie Porter, Kodie Dopps, Trevor Dopps, Zane Winters, Caitlin Dopps, Caleb Cole, Peyton Thunberg, Karsen Dopps, Lucas Dopps, Bradley Cole, Adyson Parks, Claudia Stevens, Ethan Dopps, Jason Dopps, Kanyen Dopps, Tade Thunberg, Cassie Vickers, Reece Parks, Callie Dopps, Anderson Cole, Titus Dopps, Maggie Cole, Gabrielle Stevens, Parker Thunberg, Jacob Dopps, Jessica Dopps, Conrey Vickers, Logan Dopps, Chandler Bryan, Kiera Dopps, Jillian Dopps, Keaton Vickers, Mark Hurst, Bear Franke, Maddie Raymond, Eli Dopps, Gracie Dopps, Broderick Dopps, Lily Dopps, Emma Higgins.
She was a great sister, a loyal friend and a good neighbor. No one worked harder or served more than Vi. She owned and managed Anna Street Market for years, even as she raised her ten children. The Dopps enjoyed a large garden and were always delighted to share it's bounty with others. Day after day, she reached out to help others by making food, visiting the sick, and being a friend in whatever way was needed.She was a woman of tremendous faith and intense loyalty. Vi loved music and sang like a bird. Her sweet singing lulled children to sleep at night as she continued to wash and clean. She rose early and greeted the day with song and it followed her as she worked in the store, ironed, encouraging her children, and her husband. Evenings often found her family singing hymns around the piano. Until her late 80's Vi visited nursing homes and blessed them in song. For many decades she was a faithful volunteer at church and member of the church choir. She sang when she felt like screaming and worked her hardest when all seemed lost. If a child woke in the night needing her, she could often be found with moonlight draped across her head as she knelt in prayer beside her bed. A Godly woman, who can find? We have...she was our mother. We wish you could have known her as we did. Now that she has gone to meet her husband in the Garden of Life, she invites you to meet her there as well. We, her children, are deeply thrilled that she is with Jesus. At the same time, we are completely broken that she is with us no more. We have said "Goodbye" to our dear friend and strong encourager. If a star fell from the sky each time we remembered our sweet mother, the heavens would surely, soon be empty.
Visitation with Vi's family present from 5-7 p.m., Sunday, April 29, 2012, DeVorss Flanagan-Hunt Mortuary. Funeral 1 p.m., Monday, April 30, 2012, Riverlawn Christian Church. Memorial with Riverlawn Christian Church, 4243 N. Meridian, Wichita, KS 67204.
Condolences may be offered at www.devorssflanaganhunt.com
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