Viola Francis

1919 - 2017

Viola Francis (nee Hansen), beloved wife of the late Howard Francis, passed away in Taber on Friday, August 11, 2017 at the age of 98 years. 

Relatives and friends were invited to meet with the family at the church prior to the funeral service on Friday, August 18, 2017 between 1:00 P.M. and 1:40 P.M. 

The Funeral Service was held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 54th Street Chapel, 5314 - 54 Street, Taber on Friday, August 18, 2017 at 2:00 P.M. Burial followed at the Taber Memorial Garden.  

Viola is survived by her children Lowell (Trish) Francis of Spruce Grove, James (Kellie) Francis of Lethbridge, Paul Francis (Ruth Wilson) of Lethbridge, Margaret (Terry) Stewart of Bloomington, Illinois, Kelly (Eric) Jensen of Lethbridge and son-in-law Bob Hamshaw of High River; sixteen grandchildren, thirty-five great grandchildren and seventeen great great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Phyllis Anderson of Medicine Hat, brother-in-law George Forchuk of Lethbridge and by numerous nieces and nephews. 

She was predeceased by her husband Howard Francis; daughter Dianne Hamshaw and son Larry Francis; brother Norman (Lorraine) Hansen; sisters Mildred (Howard) Pierson, Lucille (Ted) Parks, Patricia (Ken) Cutts, Melba (Tage) Birck, Jeanette Forchuk, Evelyn (Bill) Lutes and brother-in-law Jay Anderson.  Viola was born in Taber on April 9, 1919 to Louise (nee Madsen) and James Hansen. She received her schooling in Taber. She was accepted to Normal School (Teachers College), but chose to accept a marriage proposal instead. Viola and Howard were married in the Cardston Temple on November 9, 1939. They resided on the family farm where they raised their seven children. 

Viola loved and cherished her family. She was devoted to her religion and served in many callings in the Church. Viola loved gardening both flowers and vegetables. She was an excellent cook, loved to bake sweets and made chocolates at Christmas. She will be fondly remembered and sadly missed. 

If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Viola’s name may be made directly to the Clearview Lodge Resident Council, 4730 - 50 Avenue, Taber, Alberta T1G 1N6.