VIOLA I. TRACY

December 31, 2015

Viola I. Tracy, 96 of the Lewis County Nursing Home at Canton, Mo. and formerly of LaGrange became a special angel, surrounded by family, on Tuesday, December 22, 2015 at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, Il.

Viola was born September 22, 1919, the daughter of Albert and Anna Thieme.

On December 30, 1940 she married Charles Tracy in the St. Mark’s Lutheran Church at Rantoul, Il. He preceded her in death on December 10, 1999.

Viola attended Illinois Wesleyan University becoming an accomplished pianist and organist, winning a number of top awards in piano competition. Viola touched many lives teaching piano students of all ages, playing for weddings, funerals and school events. She was also involved in many 4-H activities. Viola was a member of the United Methodist Church in LaGrange, Mo. serving as organist since 1956. She also played at the Lewis County Nursing Home for the past two years. She taught kindergarten and was a Foster Grandparent in LaGrange. Viola showed tremendous love for her family through sewing, cooking for family get-togethers, gardening and playing the piano.

She is survived by her four children, Connie (Jay) Frieden of Taylor, Mo., Lee Tracy of LaGrange, Mo., Susan (Gary) Novinger of Columbia, Mo. and Donna (David) Stice of Canton, Mo.; seven grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Joni Thieme-Weinberg of Dillon, Colorado and many nieces & nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; grandson, Bryan J. Frieden; sister, Inez Haase; and two brothers, Alvin and Robert Thieme.

Funeral services were held December 29, 2015 at Arnold’s Funeral Home in Canton, Mo. with Rev. Steve Martin officiating. Visitation was held prior to services.

Burial will be in LaGrange Memorial Cemetery at LaGrange, Mo.

Memorials may be made to Lewis County Nursing Home, United Methodist Church or the donor’s choice.

Pallbearers: C.J. Bush, Lonnie Meyer, Douglas Novinger, Andrew Novinger, Charlie Tracy and Todd Frieden. Honorary Pallbearers: Alex Frieden and Jordan Weltha.

Viola’s music and kindness were an inspiration to many people.

Online condolence may be left at www.arnoldsfuneralhome.net