Violet Viola Russell was born August 1, 1920, the fourth child of Benjamin Theodore Russell and Della Mae West Patch Russell at Sargent, Ne. and the ninth child of Della Russell.
She attended Antelope School thru the eighth grade. She was promoted up two grades in a year allowing her to be in her sister Irene’s class. They attended Sargent High School together and graduated in 1937. After graduation she received her teaching certificate and taught in the communities of Antelope, Coburg, and Oxford near Sargent for 5 years.
She became the war bride of James Victor Kovanda of North Platte, Ne, June 29, 1942, in California. They lived at Camp Little Rock, Arkansas and Camp McCoy in Wisconsin before Jimmy received orders in 1944 to fight in the European theater. He was killed February 9, 1945, while leading his men into France form Luxembourg during World War II.
In October of 1948 she was united in marriage to Gaylord Earl Clausen of North Platte, Ne. They lived in the O’Fallons, Hershey and Platte Valley School districts before moving to the farm near Stapleton, Ne., in 1963. She moved in 2008 to Arnold, Ne., making her home with her daughter.
Violet became a follower of Jesus Christ while teaching school. This faith sustained her through the many challenges of every phase of her life. She believed in God, country and freedom. She believed that as a good citizen it was her privilege and duty to be involved in the politic and legislation of freedom, teaching her family those values.
She loved writing and reading poetry; family picnics and getting the family together anytime and life on the farm. She was a member of the Happy Neighbor Extension Club for many years; taught Sunday school at the Assembly of God Church in Stapleton and Arnold. Later, as member of the Arnold Church of the Nazarene.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her in laws, Victor (Emma) Kovanda, Gilbert (Euphemia) Clausen; her spouses; her brothers, sisters and spouses, Hugh (Grace) Russell, Wayne Russell, Irene (Harold) Ottun, Earl (Martha) Patch, Glen, Ralph, Lola (Charlie) Williams, Eunice (Earl) Baer, and Son-in-law, Rodney L Watson.
Those who mourn her passing are her sons, Rodney J Kovanda, Monet, Mo., Lyle G (Janella) Clausen, Eddyville, Ne., daughter, Carol E Watson, Arnold; eight grandchildren, Sterling (Brenda) Kovanda, Michael (Madge) Kovanda, Angela (Chris) Lewis, Shelly (Brent) Apperson, Cameron (Leslie) Clausen, Molly (Ken) Donahoo, Renae (Jeff) Eastman, Robert (Lana) Watson; 19 great grandchildren and 10 great, great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Waneta Russell of Arizona; numerous nieces and nephews and good friend Melanie Albrecht.
Memorial service will be Saturday, July 25, 11:00am at the First Baptist Church Arnold, Ne., with Pastor Dynette Oberg officiating.
Cremation was chosen. Inurnment at West Union Cemetery, Sargent, Ne.
A Memorial has been established to the Arnold Church of the Nazarene. Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com.
Carpenter Memorial Chapel of North Platte, NE is in charge of the arrangements.