Viola Thelma Bearden

Viola Willett Grubbs Bearden, 84, died Monday, June 8, 2009, at her residence in Abilene. Born in Satanta, Haskell County, Kansas, on August 24, 1924, Viola was the daughter of Lydia Alice (Maurer) and Loris Owen Willett. She graduated from Satanta High School in Satanta, Kansas, as Valedictorian, and attended Kansas State at Emporia, Emporia, Kansas. Viola married Walter B. Grubbs on July 6, 1946. He preceded her in death on November 13, 1989. On September 14, 1991, she married James M. Bearden, who preceded her in death on November 4, 1992. She was a homemaker. She also worked as Administrative Manager for Taylor County Health Department in Abilene; Congressman George H. Mahon, Washington, DC; and the Hon. Charles C. Thompson, Attorney at Law, Colorado City, Texas Viola was a member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Abilene for forty-two years. Throughout the years, she had served as Youth Superintendent, President of United Methodist Women, and Chairman of Worship Committee, and on the Board of Trustees, Council of Ministries, Staff/Parish Relationship Committee, Hostess Committee and various other committees and activities of the church. She was President of the Legislative Ladies Club of Texas in Austin (1980-82); Regional Representative of Stonecroft Ministries; Chairman of Christian Women's Club, Abilene, Texas; and board member of Abilene Woman's Club, Abilene, Texas. Viola is survived by her son, Gary Grubbs and wife, Karanne Grubbs, of Abilene; stepson, Jim Bearden and wife, Barbara, of Austin; stepdaughter, Ruth Ann McIver and husband, Tom, of San Antonio; grandchildren, Jennifer Foster and husband, Cory, of McKinney, Brian Grubbs and wife, Leya, of Frisco, Kimberly Rose and husband, James, of Oceanside, California, Ryan Bearden and wife, Ciera, of Austin, Annie Bearden and Jessie Bearden of Austin, and Sarah McIver and Tal McIver of Houston; and great-grandchildren, McKenna Foster, Cade Foster, Payton Grubbs, Tyler Grubbs, Walker Grubbs, and Ella Bearden. Survivors also include her brother, Loris Willett of Portland, Oregon, and sisters-in-law, Betty Garrett of Abilene and Grace Edna Willett of Lawrence, Kansas. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Clifford Willett and Herbert Willett. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday, June 11th, at Aldersgate United Methodist Church with Rev. Derrell Patterson and Rev. Caro Russell officiating. Interment will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park directed by The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Aldersgate United Methodist Church Endowment Fund, 1741 Sayles Blvd., Abilene, TX 79605.