Viola May Brasch, 89, of Cove, died Sept. 22 at home. A graveside service will begin at 2 p.m. Friday at the Cove Cemetery. Daniels-Knopp Funeral, Cremation & Life Celebration Center in La Grande is in charge of arrangements.

Viola was born Feb. 24, 1919, to Burton E. and Lillie Doretta (Shubert) Waggoner in Fowler, Colo. On May 3, 1941, she married John Brasch in Weiser, Idaho. They moved around often in their early years while John obtained his education. They managed a youth camp at Spirit Lake, Wash., and later lived in Texas.

In 1953 they moved to Parkdale where John was the minister for the Church of the Nazarene. Viola loved being a minister's wife and helping her husband with all aspects of the church. She took pride in the outstanding Christmas programs that the church put on. They lived there until 1983 when they moved to Cove. Her husband preceded her in death in January 2004.

Viola was an avid gardener, landscaper and spent many hours reading. She did in-depth study on the Book of Revelation. Family was very important to her and she always kept in contact with her many siblings over the years.

Survivors include her children, Judy Mack of Grants Pass, John Brasch of Nampa and Jim Brasch of Cove; one grandson; sister, Irene Ovind of Palm Springs, Calif.; brothers, Don Waggoner of Seattle and Hal Waggoner of San Jose, Calif.; and other relatives. She was preceded in death by seven siblings.

La Grande Observer Sept. 25, 2008