Here is a tribute to our Great Aunt Violas. They both passed away within a week of one another. We can only hope to live our lives to be as full and rich as theirs were.... and to look this good at their ages!!! (Aren't they beautiful?!?!) Take the time to read both of their obituaries. The brief stories of their amazing lives will unquestionably inspire you.
Elda Viola Criddle Child 1901 ~ 2008 SYRACUSE Elda Viola Criddle Child, a great lady, loving matriarch and friend, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 13, 2008 in Syracuse, Utah at her home in which she had lived for nearly 85 years. She was 106 years old. Viola was born on December 5, 1901 in Syracuse, Utah. She was the sixth of 10 children born to William and Sarah Linford Criddle. She loved her family and stayed close to them throughout their lives. She often called her mother, "My angel mother." What a joyful reunion they all experienced on Sunday! On June 4, 1919, Viola married Mark Fay Child in Hooper, Utah. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple on December 10, 1924. They settled on a small farm in Syracuse and worked hard, instilling in their children the value of work. They were examples of honesty and integrity. They were blessed with four children: Dale, Helen, William and Sheldon. Her husband Fay passed away on February 1, 1991. Viola was a woman who loved life and lived it to the fullest. She loved being with family and friends. Anyone visiting her home could not leave without a piece of homemade pie or a dish of ice cream. She was an excellent cook. Her hands never sat idle. She crocheted hundreds of afghans and lovingly stitched many treasured quilts. Viola was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and held many church callings during her lifetime, including Relief Society president in the Syracuse First Ward. She had a compassionate heart and lived a life of service visiting the sick and bringing comfort to those in need. She served as a visiting teacher until she was 103 years old. She was proud of her pioneer heritage and was a member of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers for over 60 years. Her greatest joy was her family. She was blessed with four children, 23 grandchildren, 82 great-grandchildren and 57 great-great-grandchildren. She wanted each one to know how much they were loved. She is survived by two sons, William H. Child (Pat), serving as a missionary in Washington D.C.; and Sheldon F. Child (Joan), Salt Lake City; a son-in-law, Keith West, Syracuse; and her great posterity. She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, her husband, a son and his wife, Dale and Ireta Child, a daughter, Helen West, a daughter-in-law Darline Child, two grandsons and two great-grandchildren.
Viola Hazel Bennett Croft 1916 ~ 2008 "Because I have been given much I too must give" are the words Viola Hazel Bennett Croft lived by for 91 years until her peaceful death on January 10, 2008. "Because of thy great bounty Lord each day I live." A woman of amazing talents and abilities, she lived life to the fullest when at times most would give up. "Because I have been sheltered, fed by thy good care, I cannot see another's lack and I not share." Her life was spent in splendid service to her family, friends, neighbors and perfect strangers. She was devoted to children and served many years in the Primary in the Highland View Ward and served 14 years as a Church Service Missionary in the Human Resource Department in the LDS Church Headquarters. "Because I have been blessed by thy great love, dear Lord, I'll share thy love again, according to thy word." With an unwavering faith and love for her Heavenly Father and her Savior Jesus Christ she, at 66 years old was called to serve in the Nashville Tennessee Mission (1981-1982). Her family is her greatest treasure and never a day went by they did not know of the love she had for them. Viola is preceded in death by her husband Charles Milton Croft, Jr., a daughter LuJuana, a son LaMar, her parents and siblings Louise, Alvin, and LaVon. She is survived by her sons; Scott (Sheila) of West Jordan, Gerald of Salt Lake City, and Lynn (Leslie) of Kingwood, TX along with her sister Alla Mae (Woody) Jensen, Merle (Linda) Bennett. She has five grandchildren; Clinton (Edie) Croft, Jeffrey Croft, Kimberly (Barton) Robison, Carly Croft, Katie (Benjamin) Ellis and four great grandchildren; Bailey Ann, Jorell, Abigail and Annalyn. A faithful wife, a devoted mother, a funny and caring grandmother, a compassionate sister and a cherished friend, Viola has left her mark in this life and now serving others in the next: "I shall give love to those in need; I'll show that love by word and deed: Thus shall my thanks be thanks indeed."
