Viola Heronemus, age 96, of WaKeeney, passed away Saturday, October 19, 2019, at Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital, Long Term Care, WaKeeney.  Mary "Viola" was born in Trego County on January 24, 1923, to Jacob and Mollie (Wolf) Stenzel.

Viola attended Trego County Rural School.  She was baptized and later confirmed in the Zion Lutheran Church, rural WaKeeney.  Viola loved music, but did not read a note.  She self-taught herself to play the piano, guitar, and the mandolin.  She and her sister, Martha, played and sang on the radio in Dodge City, KS, until their father needed them more on the farm to help with all of the chores.  Many times at family gatherings, when everyone would start singing, Mom would sit down at the piano and "tickle the ivories" to any tune we sang.  Our Mom had a multitude of talents…baking, cooking delicious meals, crocheting, embroidery work, sewing quilt tops, and the endless hours of time spent at her sewing machine.

On January 5, 1947, Viola was united in marriage with Ray Heronemus in the Zion Lutheran Church, rural WaKeeney.  To this union four children were born.  They celebrated 50 years of marriage.  Ray passed away December 18, 1997.

While her home and family were her priority, Viola also worked in the kitchen at the WaKeeney Grade School, and later working at the Trego Lemke Memorial Hospital in both the housekeeping department and later the laundry department.

Viola was a lifetime member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church and the Ladies Auxiliary, both of WaKeeney.

Viola thoroughly enjoyed her Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren.  She attended many ball games, school activities, picking them up from school, and countless hours of babysitting.

Survivors include Mary Lee Dennis (Lee), of Parker, CO, Sherry Papes (Dean), of Woodland Park, CO, Leana Garrett (Kent) and Gary Heronemus (DeeDee), all of WaKeeney; grandchildren, Adrian Murphy (Neng) of Hilo, HI, Cory Garrett (Ashley) and Cody Garrett (Lisa), all of WaKeeney, Kelsey Gabrielson (Matt) of Hutchinson, Will and Cade Papes of Salina, Kayla Heronemus (Jordon) of Abilene and Kylie Heronemus of San Antonio, TX; great-grandchildren, Rose Lewis (David), Mira, Zaida, Ryker Murphy and Kye Brittel, Gage & Maddux Garrett and Layla Gabrielson.

Viola is the last child of the Jacob Stenzel family.  She was preceded in death by her parents, an infant brother, 3 brothers and 2 sisters.

Viola will be lovingly remembered by her family and friends forever and always.