Violet Clara Fuller, 89
Violet Clara Fuller, 89, a resident of Kalispell for the past 44 years, passed away on Friday, March 14, 2008, at the Heritage Place in Kalispell.
Violet Clara Margaret Murphy Fuller was born Aug. 5, 1918, in Billings, to Spencer Turner Murphy and Mamie Sophia Tews Murphy. Her mother passed away when Violet was 15 years old, and Violet thus began her years of service to others. She helped out at home taking care of her two younger brothers, Merl Spencer Murphy and William Fredrick Murphy, cleaning the home and teaching herself to cook. After her father remarried, Violet stayed with her stepmother and was encouraged to finish high school. She graduated at the age of 21.
She then went to work caring for children that had been stricken with polio. It was while she was working at that hospital that she met the love of her life, Lewis William Fuller, a recent graduate of Montana State University. He was working with the CCC camp in the area at the time. Violet also worked as a nanny for Father Wertz and his wife, Annie. Annie had also been stricken with polio, and when her son was born, Violet took care of little Forest and his mother.
During this time, Violet and Lewis were married and finally settled in Roy. While in Eastern Montana, they were blessed with two children, Lois Marie and Norma Joyce. As Lewis advanced in his career with the SCS, they moved to Eureka. After seven years, they were transferred to Polson, and while in Polson, they were blessed with a third child, David Lewis. In 1963, with both girls attending college in Washington State, Lewis, Violet and David moved to Kalispell.
Violet had been a Red Cross volunteer, certified in 1943. She spent her life being of service to others. In Kalispell, she volunteered at the county hospital and continued her service in the Heritage Place after it was built. She also volunteered at the Friendship House for many years, and was in her 80s before she decided to retire.
Violet was a longtime member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Evergreen and was very active in her church. She was always ready to lend a helping hand wherever needed. She also received two years of intensive instruction and became a Stevens Minister. With this instruction, she was able to help young and old alike through trials in their lives.
Violet was the oldest of her siblings. She was the last of her generation.
Violet was preceded in death by her husband, and outlived her two brothers. She was also preceded in death by her husband's siblings, Margaret Wylma Fuller Wickham, Lucille Helen Fuller, Norman Edgar 'Dobie' Fuller, Ethel Mariam Fuller Hall and Joyce Elise Fuller Lane.
She is survived by her two daughters, Lois Marie Heilman of Portland, and Norma Joyce Salmons of Aberdeen, S.D.; a son, David Lewis Fuller of Kalispell; and five grandchildren, Michelle Anne Heilman, Bradley Lyle Dykes, Brian Leslie Dyles Salmons, Geanne Marie Dykes Salmons and Barry Lewis Dykes. She is also survived by one great-grandchild, Matthew Dykes; and several step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren. She will be greatly missed.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 26, at the Calvary Lutheran Church, with Pastor Kurt Rau officiating. Violet will be laid to rest next to her husband in C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery in Kalispell.
Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Violet's family. You are invited to go to www.johnsonmortuary.com to offer condolences and sign Violet's guest book.