Viola Ruth Strike Adams' Obituary
“Put the pot of coffee on Meg, Vi’s coming.” Viola Ruth Strike Adams slipped away from us Friday, January 17th surrounded by family. She had recently celebrated her 90th birthday with family and friends.
Born in Los Angeles in 1924 during the Hollywood film industry boom she recalled happy days with her family tent camping and spending time on the beautiful California beaches.
After the Great Depression hit, her Father, Reuben Strike bought a farm and moved the family to Elma, Washington in 1934. It was there she developed her strong work ethic. It was quite a transition from bustling LA to a one room school house. Vi said recently that she really enjoyed the school. She recalled her kindly teacher that would take the children out in the forest to collect mushrooms and then fry them up for the kids to eat.
In the early 1940’s she met her “one and only” Willard Mann Adams. After high school she became a WOW, Women’s Ordnance Worker during WWII. A real “Rosie the Riveter”. Because of her dedication to the war effort, she was awarded”WOW” of the month in 9-43.
She and Willard married in 1943 and enjoyed over 51 years of marriage. They started their family in 1947 with the birth of their son, Ken and later Jerry in 1950. She was a dedicated parent and a devoted wife. Her house and surrounding garden were immaculate and “the envy of the neighborhood”. Fifty years have gone by and the children of the neighborhood still keep in touch with several attending her 90th Birthday Party.
There was hardly anything she couldn’t figure out or do. Friends would drop by and she’d be replacing a door bell or refinishing a table. Her garden was her pride and joy which she tended religiously. Many friends benefitted from her labor of love.
When her kids were raised she went back to school and became a medical secretary. She worked for Dr. Colley for over 15 years in the Medical Arts Bldg in Tacoma Vi was also a member of the Tacoma Women’s Bowling Association, All Star Team in the 1960s and 1970s.
She delighted in becoming a grandmother to, Regine, Scott, Glenn, Beth, Lori, Colin, Elise, Mia and David. Her great-grandchildren include, Amy, Aubie, Maryn, Kylie, Allyson, Emma, Mason, Joshua, Kiley, Matasia, Audrey, Analise, Madison, Chase, Grady, Sadie, Hunter & Ryder.
Equally important are Vi’s extended family that cross the US and all the way to Japan. Nieces and Nephews; Yulanee, Cheryl, Mark, Jeanette, Don, Donna Mae and their children. She rarely missed a birthday or anniversary and we fret the post office is going to take a big hit in stamp sales.
Those of us who knew Vi understand what a force she was. She was a woman of great faith, she was very humble, extraordinarily brave and she unconditionally loved her family and her friends. On the day she left us she said that she was truly blessed to have the family and friends she has. They come in all ages, all genders, all colors. She was (and will continue to be) a role model which is one of the most important jobs of all. Above all, she was the best friend a person could ever have.
Viewing is planned for January 24, 2014 from 4:00pm to 8:00pm at Mountainview Funeral Home, 4100 Steilacoom Blvd, Lakewood, WA. Her service will take place at 11:00am, January 25, 2014 at All Saints Episcopal Church, 205 E. 96th St, Tacoma, WA 98445. Reception to follow. Internment at 1:00, January 26th at Mountainview Memorial Park, 4100 Steilacoom Blvd, Lakewood, WA.
In lieu of flowers, Vi requested memorials be made to: All Saints Episcopal Church Memorial Fund, 205 E. 96th St, Tacoma, WA 98445.
What’s your fondest memory of Viola?
What’s a lesson you learned from Viola?
Share a story where Viola's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Viola you’ll never forget.
How did Viola make you smile?
