Violet "Vi" Meier

Violet “Vi” Marie Meier passed peacefully to her heavenly home Friday, Sept 4, 2009 surrounded by her loving family. She is survived by her children, Matthew J. Meier, KC, MO; Patricia Russell “Greg” of Olathe, KS and Lauri Summers, of Shawnee. She was blessed to have five grandchildren, Rhiannon Meier, Beth Russell and Adam, John and Kyle Summers. She was preceded in death by her husband of 33 years, Francis “Lucky” Meier, and was also preceded in death by her precious eldest granddaughter, Rhiannon Meier, in Dec. 2007. Violet Marie Ward was born to Ada Raker and Glen Ward on November 25, 1925 in rural IL. She grew up in a large family of siblings, aunts, uncles and cousins. Her siblings, Gale, John, Donald, Herbert, and Jack all preceded her in death, some in childhood others in adulthood. She loved to reminisce about the days spent in her hometown of Bryant, IL especially describing the very special large family gatherings. She spoke often of her mothers "Victory Garden" that the family tended during WWII. Vi treated her family and friends to amazing “Victory Garden” macaroni salad for many many years. Vi will be remembered as being vivacious, fun loving, ornery, and loved giving gifts to her family and friends often from QVC. Violet graduated from Peoria High School, Peoria, IL and went to work at Camp Ellis in South Carolina during the war. She met Francis “Lucky” Meier while he was stationed at Camp Ellis. They married Feb 7th 1944 and ten days later he was deployed to the European Theatre until Dec 1945. After the war Lucky and Vi eventually settled in Topeka, KS where they raised their family. They were active in their parish Holy Name Catholic Church and supported the activities of their children as they attended the parish school and Hayden High School. Vi was employed at BC&BS and retired in 1992 after 24 years of service. She continued to stay in contact with many co workers and friends even after moving to Olathe in 1996. She spent several happy years watching her grandchildren grow up and often said “these were the best years of my life”. She was especially proud at the age of 76, to attend her granddaughter Rhiannon’s graduation from Stanford University in 2002. Visitation and rosary will be held at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, Topeka, KS today, Sept 6th from 6 to 8 p.m., rosary will be at 6:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Mater Dei Holy Name, Topeka, KS Tuesday, Sept 8, at 12:00 p.m. The family would sincerely like to thank the Odyssey Health Care Hospice and The Olathe Good Samaritan Staff.

Violet "Vi" Meier

November 25, 1925 - September 4, 2009