Viola M. Stein

Viola M. Stein, 87, Rapid City, died Monday Dec. 11, 2006 at her residence. Viola Margaret Merritt, was born Oct. 3, 1919 at Rapid City to John and Mary (Warn) Merritt. She graduated from Rapid City High School in 1939. On Oct. 15, 1940, Viola married Virgil Stein in Rapid City where they lived before living in Keystone from 1943 to 1945 then living in Chadron, NE from 1961 to 1967 when they returned to Rapid City and have lived here since. Viola worked as a nurse’s aide for 18 years. Her most important contribution was caring for numerous people from infants to the elderly, which she loved doing until she was 85 years old. She enjoyed playing bridge, water exercises at the YMCA, gardening and yard work. She was an active member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Viola is survived by her two sons, Jack (Patricia) Stein, Stockton, CA; Warren (Mary) Stein, Rapid City. She raised 4 grandchildren, Venus (Mark) Freeman, Clay Stein all of Rapid City; Stacy (Bruce) Wilson, Florence, TX; Jodi (Kevin) Ward, Evanston, WY; numerous other grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; 10 great great grandchildren; one sister, Kathryn Joseph, La Mirada, CA and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Virgil, one daughter Marcia; two sisters and one brother.