Viola Luther

At the age of 87, Viola Luther left her earthly form on February 3, 2006 at the home of her youngest daughter after bravely fighting many age related illnesses. Viola was born August 31, 1918 to Homer & Marie Kennell in Beaver Oklahoma. She grew up in the panhandle of Oklahoma & Texas in Kansas, moving to Indiana as a young adult. She worked in an airplane factory during the war, a "Rosie the Riveter" of sorts. Later she was a waitress and thoroughly enjoyed "people watching" in her many years of restaurant work. She moved to Cottage Grove, Oregon where she met & married Henry Luther in 1949. They owned a restaurant briefly in Cottage Grove but ended up in LaGrande Oregon where they raised their family until 1988 when they moved to Eagle Idaho to be near their youngest daughter, however, she always felt that she left her heart in LaGrande and missed it very much.

Viola was the ultimate family matriarch. She was always there for her family and friends. It didn't matter who you were, you were always welcome and you didn't need a therapist if you had her wise, non judgmental kindness to make your troubles go away. Those who had the privilege of knowing her would quickly nominate her for sainthood, but instead have decided, at her request, to gather in her memory at her favorite camping spot in Oregon this summer for a celebration and picnic. Anyone wishing to be a part of this celebration is welcome. Please contact her daughter, Reola Mitchell, by mail at 118 E 35th, Boise, ID 83714 or her granddaughter Wendi Palumbo via email at [email protected]

She is survived by her four children, Jack & Ruth Rose of Payette, ID, Gladys Porter of Hood River, OR,
Randy & Betty Luther of Flagstaff, AZ, and Reola & Bruce Mitchell of Boise, ID; 12 grandchildren, many
great grand children, nieces, nephews and friends.

Donations may be made to The First Christian Church in care of Daniels Chapel of the Valley.