Viola Evelyn Williams, 86

Viola Evelyn Williams, 86, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2010, at Wellsprings Assisted Living in Hayden.

Viola was a lifelong resident of Kootenai County and lived many years in Coeur d'Alene. Viola, who was known to friends and family as "Vi," was born in Spokane on May 21, 1924, to Edgar and Elsie May. Viola and her parents moved to Coeur d'Alene when she was very young. She attended Coeur d'Alene schools through the years. Viola graduated from Coeur d'Alene High School in 1942 at age 18, and married Rex Brueher shortly thereafter.

Viola and Rex had three daughters, Karen, Kathleen and Linda all of whom attended Coeur d'Alene schools and graduated from Coeur d'Alene High School. Viola and Rex divorced after several years of marriage, Viola then ran several successful businesses while raising her three daughters.

Later Viola met and married Jim Williams, Viola and Jim settled at their waterfront home on the Spokane River and later purchased and ran a successful excavation business.

Viola was preceded in death by two daughters, Karen Wood and Kathleen Harris and is survived by her husband, Jim Williams, her youngest daughter, Linda Mattos, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 20, 2010, at English Funeral Chapel, 1133 N. Fourth St., Coeur d'Alene, with a reception will follow. Please sign Vi's guest registry and view her online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.