Viola Ireland

Viola Mae Ireland passed away Sunday, July 20, 2014 at McCrite Plaza Retirement Community in Topeka, Kansas. Viola was born October 17, 1920 in Circleville, Kansas to James Ruth and Anna Swain Ruth. Viola was the youngest of eleven children. She graduated from Circleville High School in 1938.

Viola married Lawrence O. Ireland in 1941 and lived in Holton, Kansas until 1959 when they moved to Topeka. They later divorced.

Viola worked for the District Court Trustee office in Shawnee County and retired in 2005. She was a member of Crestview Methodist Church. Viola was a member and past president of Phi Tau Omega Sorority and an avid bridge player.
Viola was preceded in death by her parents, six brothers and four sisters. Survivors include one daughter, Janet Beffort, Topeka; three sons, Gerald Ireland and his wife Ellen of Lenexa, James Ireland and his wife Linda of Topeka, and Dan Ireland of Scottsdale, AZ; 14 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.

Viola will lie in state after 3:00 pm at Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel, Topeka, on Thursday, July 24th, where the family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday.

Funeral service will be held at 10:00 am Friday, July 25th at Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel. Burial will be at Penwell-Gabel Cemetery, Topeka.

The family wishes to thank the McCrite Plaza Assisted Living staff for their outstanding care of their Mother.

Memorial contributions can be made to Crestview Methodist Church, 2245 SW Eveningside Drive, Topeka, KS 66614; or McCrite Plaza Assisted Living Activity Fund, 1308 SW 37th Street, Topeka, KS 66611.