Viola E. Yamnitz

Viola E. Yamnitz, 85, of Perryville died April 20, 2014 at her residence. She was born January 6, 1929 in Perry County, MO, daughter of August and Albertine (Behrle) Clements. She and Dalvin Yamnitz were married for 66 years, having married on April 17, 1948. He survives her in Perryville. Viola was, above all, a loving wife and mother. She worked at the International Shoe Company prior to starting her family. Once her first child was born she was a “stay-at-home” Mom for many years. She raised 14 children, which she believed to be her most important accomplishment. She was a talented seamstress and made clothes for herself and all her children. She also enjoyed quilting, embroidery, and crocheting. She participated in the PTO organizations at both St. Vincent's and Perry County District 32, and was always willing to work on school projects. She was Den Mother for her sons and a Girl Scout Leader for several of her daughters, and the daughters of many Perryville residents. She remained active with the Girl Scouts for many years, later earning the “Thanks Badge” of which she was quite proud. While busy with home and family, she started a correspondence art class. She started drawing and painting, much to the delight of her family and friends, and was one of the charter members of the Perry County Art Alliance. In the 1980’s with most of her older children on their own, she returned to the “paid” work force, working with Dietary at Perry County Nursing Home for about 10 years. She enjoyed the people she worked with and the friendships she made. Viola was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church and the Ladies Sodality. Viola also loved to travel. Starting in 1970, and until their health slowed them down, she and Dalvin visited all 50 states. They also took a cruise, and visited several European countries. Photos from these trips were the inspiration for many of her paintings. In addition to her husband, she is survived by nine daughters and four sons; Melba (George) Wilmarth, June (Dave) Ernst, Robert (Marilyn) Yamnitz, William (Lynn) Yamnitz, Linda (Brad) Riney, Elizabeth (Rick) Taylor, Jim (Cindy) Yamnitz, Susan Yamnitz, Carolyn (Leon) Spencer, Ed (Jennifer) Yamnitz, Donna (Alan) Ford, Kim (Neal) Kaempfe and Lisa Shedd, 33 grandchildren; Nick Shedd, Nicole Shedd, Christopher Kaempfe, Allison Kaempfe, Carrie Ford, Jordan Ford, Grant Yamnitz, Emily Spencer, Aaron Spencer, Gabe Layton, Tessa Yamnitz, Nathan Yamnitz, Luke Yamnitz, Maria Yamnitz, Josh Taylor, Ashley Taylor, Ethan Taylor, Carlos Camarillo, Katy Basler, Amy Unterreiner, Andrew Camarillo, Dan Yamnitz, Ben Yamnitz, Rachael Yamnitz, Annebelle Yamnitz, Carl Yamnitz, Dustin Yamnitz, Tim Ernst, Mark Ernst, Laura Chamness, Joel Wilmarth, Carissa Wilmarth, and Jessica Wilmarth, 24 great grandchildren, 7 step grandchildren, and 12 step great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; one daughter, Marilyn Yamnitz; one granddaughter, Kristen Yamnitz; one great grandchild, Xavier Basler; two brothers, Jess and Tony; and infant brothers, Wilbert, Joseph and John; two sisters, Birdell Biehle and Iola Farrar Littleton. Visitation will be held on Friday, April 25 at Young & Sons Funeral Home from 4:00 to 9:00 pm with eulogies beginning at 8:00 pm. Visitation will continue on Saturday, April 26 from 6:30 to 9:30 am. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church on Saturday at 10:00 am with Rev. Jim French officiating. Burial will be in the Mount Hope Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to Perry County Relay for Life or American Heart Association. Young & Sons Funeral Home, Inc. in Perryville, MO provided the arrangements. Online condolences may be made at youngandsonsfuneral.com.

Tributes

Viola E. Yamnitz

January 6, 1929 - April 20, 2014