Viola Clara Newell Urbanek, 97

Viola Clara Newell Urbanek, 97, a longtime resident of Coeur d'Alene, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2014, in Hayden, Idaho.

Viola was born on Sept. 4, 1917, to Daniel J. Newell and Clara Fischbach Newell in her grandparents' home at Silver Beach in Coeur d'Alene. She was raised on the family farm in the Blue Creek area.

Viola attended Blue Creek and Sunnyside schools through the 8th grade. She was very proud of her many certificates that showed her 100 percent attendance record.

On Nov. 25, 1933, Viola married Emil J. Urbanek; they had two children, Janet and Fredrick. Vi and Emil made their home in the Wolf Lodge and Sunnyside areas just to the east of Coeur d'Alene.

In March of 1952, Viola and Emil took their family on an adventure to Alaska. This trip introduced them to Alaska, which became their home for many years. They eventually retired back to the Sunnyside area in the early 1970s.

Vi was loved by all. Her cookie jar was full for whoever walked through the door. She loved life, her family, birds, animals and her dog Mitzy. A hard-working person her entire life, Vi loved working in the garden, cooking, baking and her winter trips to Yuma, Ariz.

Viola was preceded in her death by her husband of 62 years, Emil Urbanek; her sister Helen P. Pearcy of Coeur d'Alene, and her parents Dan and Clara Newell.

Viola is survived by her daughter Janet C. Jeffries (Ray) of Sequim, Wash., and sons Fred Urbanek (Loveta) of Alturas, Calif., and John Roberts of Coeur d'Alene; grandchildren Linda Murray, Debbie Roddy, Nancy Silver, Cindy Lee and James Lee; nine great-grandchildren, seven great-great-grandchildren; younger brother James T. Newell of Coeur d'Alene; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Viola's memory to the Kootenai Humane Society, P.O. Box 1005, Hayden, ID 83835 or www.kootenaihumanesociety.com.

Please visit Viola's online memorial and sign her guestbook at Legacy.com