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In memory of

Viola "Vi" Olney

of Kadoka, South Dakota, died on Sunday, June 22, 2014 at the Rapid City Regional Hospital at the age of 83

Viola M. Hedeen was born April 15, 1931 in Kadoka, South Dakota, the daughter of Roy M. and Margaret (Nielsen) Hedeen. She grew up in Kadoka, graduating from Kadoka High School in 1949. After graduation Viola began working as a linotype operator at the Kadoka Press.

Viola was united in marriage to Russell F. Olney on March 4, 1954 in Pierre, South Dakota. To this union was born two children, Marcy and Rusty.

Russ and Viola moved briefly to Belle Fourche then to Rapid City, where Viola worked at the Gate City Guide as a linotype operator and Russ worked in a barbershop. They returned to Kadoka in 1958. Viola worked at the newspaper in Philip and Russ opened his barbershop. Viola began helping Russ in numerous business ventures through the years, including a motel, tavern, The Branch Store, a gas station and Drive Inn. In 1976 they began managing Club 27. 1989 brought a new venture, The Pizza Shed. Viola retired in 1998.

Viola was a lifelong member of the American Legion Auxiliary, a member of the Presbyterian Church and enjoyed her Tuesday night bowling league.

Grateful for having shared her life are her husband of 60 years Russ Olney, her daughter Marcy (Bart) Ramsey of Philip; her son Rusty (Laure) Olney of Kadoka; her granddaughter Cara (Brook) Parent of Ham Lake, MN; her grandson Chad (Paulette) Ramsey of Philip; great-grandchildren Ramsey, Peyton, Caden and Wyatt Parent, Charlee Ramsey, Jerica, Jadyn, Jyntre and Jyrzee Coller, and Audrea and Lucien Hildebrand; her sister-in-law and brother-in-law Diane and Gordon Paulson of Rapid City; brothers-in-law Richard "Bud" Olney of Kadoka, and Andy Anderson of Watertown; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Viola was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Margaret Hedeen, three sisters, Delores “Dode” Smith, Barbara Stone and Ethel Anderson; two sisters-in-law, Norma Olney and Gladys Olney; three brothers-in-law, Gene Stone, Clifford Starkjohn, and Bob Olney.
Visitation was held 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 25, at the Presbyterian Church in Kadoka.

Funeral services were held 10:00 a.m. Thursday, June 26, at the Presbyterian Church in Kadoka, with Pastor Kathy Chesney officiating.

Interment was at the Kadoka Cemetery.

Cards and memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 263, Kadoka, SD 57543.

FUNERAL SERVICES
Thursday, June 26, 2014 - 10:00 a.m.
Presbyterian Church
Kadoka, South Dakota

CLERGY
Pastor Kathy Chesney

MUSIC
Louis Toro
“You’ll Never Walk Alone”
“Abide With Me”
“He”

EULOGY
Lisa Paulson Seaman

USHERS
Laurie Prichard - Cathy Stone

PALLBEARERS
Chad Ramsey - Brook Parent
Mike Olney - Meade Olney
Craig Coller - Sauntee Coller

HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends In Attendance

INTERMENT
Kadoka Cemetery
Kadoka, South Dakota


Open the Memorial Folder

Visitation: 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 25, at the Presbyterian Church in Kadoka.

Funeral services: 10:00 a.m. Thursday, June 26, at the Presbyterian Church in Kadoka.

Interment: Kadoka Cemetery.

  • MY thoughts are with you all at this difficult time. It's so hard to lose a loved one. LOVE and prayers. ~ Joan Kirchhevel Rapid City (6/22/2014)
  • My heart goes out to you all with Vi's passing. I have lots of wonderful memories of Vi. Please know you have my deepest sympathy. ~ Kay Rock Sanford, NC (6/22/2014)
  • Russ, Rusty and Marcy,
    Our deepest sympathy to all of you, Vi was a wonderful gal and will be missed dearly. We are thinking of you all!     ~ Randy & Holly Nemec Midland (6/22/2014)
  • Our deepest sympathy to all the family. I have known Viola since we were kids living in Kadoka. Either she and her sister, Dode, took turns sleeping at our house or I was at their place. She will truly be missed by all that knew her. May God bless all of you and give you strength, comfort, and peace, at this difficult time. June Starkjohann ~ June and Floyd Starkjohann 805 Compassion Drive Apt.103 (6/22/2014)
  • Know that although I didn't make it there for the services, you guys have been in my thoughts and prayers much in the last few days since receiving the call. Vi was a terrific lady, bound and determined to be as much and do as much as she could despite the issues of getting older. I so admire that about her. When we saw her 2 years ago at Reunion Weekend, she was so determined to get those cinnamon rolls on the table for all of us! Know that you have boxes of memories to sort through in that basement (some we left on our last trip with her in the form of 1940's and 50's Yearbooks from MY parent's collection) so those sorting times will provide a few tear, lots of laughter, and truckloads of memories! Russ, we know this will be a tough time of transition, but know that your family and your faith will be your constant companion until you are together again. We love you! Lynn & Don Kelly (Lynn Nielsen) ~ Lynn Kelly Sugar Land, Tx (6/22/2014)