Viola Thompson

At the age of 99, Viola Thompson died at St. John's Lutheran Ministries at the Vista on Tuesday, January 28, 2014. Viola was born on February 12, 1914, the daughter of Fred and Sue (Driscoll) Mandelkow in Pompey's Pillar, Montana. She was born in a cabin on her Grandfathers property. Fred and Sue homesteaded north of the river near Castle Butte. When Viola started school they moved into town. Viola attended Pompeys Pillar school until the 4th grade. The family moved to Columbus for one year, then to Billings where she attended school until the middle of her 9th grade. During the Christmas Holidays she went to work at Woolworth's. She met the love of her life, Elmer Thompson, at Woolworth's where they both worked. They dated for about 5 years and were married on Thanksgiving Day November 29, 1934. It was a policy of Woolworth's that married women were not allowed to work, so Viola had to quit. Viola and Elmer fostered some children until 1943. These girls were always close to Viola and Elmer and visited them as they grew older. Their own daughter was born in 1939. Viola and Elmer also raised Pomeranian dogs for many years, later they also raised Shelties but remained true to the Pomeranians. Viola had one until she entered The Vista. Viola and Elmer ran a Conoco Service Station on the corner of Terry and Montana for 20 plus years. Viola was very talented, sewing, crocheting, knitting, and she loved all crafts. There were several ladies who gathered together and called themselves the 'Bucket Brigade'. They enjoyed doing all kinds of different crafts. She was also involved in a shop at Level 3 in Billings. She made some lovely crocheted frames, Christmas ornaments, necklaces, etc. and shipped them to several states. Many will cherish her handiwork. Viola joined the Rehbeka Lodge with her mother and daughter, the only 3 generations to join at the same time. She has remained a member for over 55 years. She was a member of Eastern Star for many years and served on the Council of the Job's Daughter. Viola loved to play Pinochle and belonged to a group of ladies that got together twice a month to play. When she moved into The Vista there was a group that played. The Thompson's loved to travel taking trips to California, Arizona and to where ever their daughter lived in the East. One trip was to Florida where they celebrated their 40th anniversary. Travel continued for Viola after Elmer passed away in July 1983. Hawaii was a memorable trip along with the trip to Dolly World in Tennessee. Those welcoming her home are her husband; parents; granddaughters Diana and Mary Lynn. She is survived by her daughter Marilyn (Stan) Marchinek, Billings; granddaughter Darla (Gary) Pettet of Raleigh, NC; great-grandsons: Phillip (Erin) Pettet, of Lynchburg, VA, Paul (Meghan) Pettet of Clayton, NC, David Pettet of Honolulu, Hawaii, Joshua (Heidi) Obelenus of Columbus, OH, Nicholas (Jessica) Obelenus of Billings; grandson-in-law Gerald Obelenus; great-great-grandchildren: Phillip II, Elizabeth, Joshua, Lillian, and Lauren of VA, Violet and Cora of NC; sister Betty Nelson of Billings; several nieces, nephews and cousins. Viola's family would like to express a special thank you to the kind and caring staff at The Vista at Mission Ridge and Rocky Mountain Hospice. Service: There will be visitation for Viola from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 4, 2014 at Dahl Funeral Chapel. She will be laid to rest in a Graveside service at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 5 in Mountview Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be celebrated 1:00 p.m. Saturday, February 8, 2014 at the First Alliance Church at 1835 Central (corner of Central and 19th) with a lunch to follow.