Viola M. Harvey-Smith (1922-2018)

Viola M. Harvey-Smith, 95, of Pleasant Prairie passed away on Monday, February 5, 2018 at The Addison of Pleasant Prairie with her loving family by her side. Viola was born May 12, 1922 in Alton, IL to James and Myrtle (Clayton) Ketchum. She graduated from high school and the Freeman Business School in Oak Park, IL. Viola was married to Laurence Harvey Sr. on August 12, 1940 and Marlin Smith on June 12, 1977 and they both preceded her in death. She was employed at Sipf’s Pharmacy, an executive secretary with the Racine and Kenosha Selective Service, an inspector for the State Selective Service and a secretary at Stanford University. Viola was a member of the 1st United Methodist Church, Chapter CQ of PEO, 4 Season Garden Club, Friends of the Museum, 2nd 50 Club, U.M. Womans, SPI and the church choir. She had a love of writing which included writing many articles, stories and a book titled “So Be It” and she was a member of the Wisconsin Writers Association. She enjoyed cooking, traveling, fishing, needlework, the Green Bay Packers but she especially enjoyed time with her family. Vi brought to this world a great love and understanding for people, a hearty sense of humor and an attractiveness of spirit that is God-centered. She was given many awards on her jobs for government and was named “Woman of the Year” from the Kenosha News.

She was also preceded in death by, her parents; her son, Larry Jr.; a grandson, Mark Harvey; her brother, Marshall Rankin and an uncle, August Clayton.

Viola is survived by, her daughter, Susan (William) Cairns of Kenosha; three step-sons, Dave (Bev) Smith of Wausau, Dr. William (Nan) Smith of Mequon and Jim (Ann) Smith of Soyer, MI; 11 grandchildren, Kevin (Kris) Osborne, Jon (Tina) Osborne, Craig (Michelle) Harvey, Debbie Dennison, Wendi Wagner, Sarah (Shawn) Darmody, Jeff (Robin) Smith, Stephany (Jason) Herrman, Kathy (Brandon) Keith, Jenny (Ken) Strom and Steven (Jill); 22 great grandchildren, Adrian, Mary Kelly, Analise, Alyssa, Tyler, Josh, Ethan, Carrie, Cole, Mikey, Abby, Lily, Erik, Ingrid, Henry, Stella, Sadie, Samantha, Ben, Stephany and Jason; a great great grandchild, Dakota; a brother, Gene (Geri) Ketchum; two sisters, Wilma and Mary Ann as well as other family and friends.

Funeral services for Viola will be held on Friday, February 9, 2017 at 12:00 P.M. at First United Methodist Church (919 -60th Street) with burial to follow at Sunset Ridge Memorial Park. A visitation will take place at the church on Friday from 11:00 A.M. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials to First United Methodist Church would be appreciated.

Viola’s family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to all the family and friends that meant so much to her throughout the years. To the First United Methodist Church for being her 2nd home and all the many friends that looked after her. Lastly, to Dr. A. J. Capelli and to the Addison Senior Living and Memory for all the years of care given to her.