Violet E. Holmquist

ENUMCLAW, Wash. —Violet E. Holmquist, 95, died Aug. 2, 2005, in Enumclaw.

She was born Violet Elandar Russell to Lottie and James Russell Jan. 18, 1910, in Ava, Mo. She grew up on a farm in Denton and graduated from Denton High School in 1917.

She married Elmer Holmquist in 1927. They farmed near Charlo before moving to St. Ignatius about 1936 or 1937, where they operated a privately owned telephone business. Through the years Violet worked in a boarding house, clerked at a drug store and worked as a receptionist for a doctor.

In addition, she volunteered for the American Cancer Society for more than 20 years, volunteered for the American Red Cross, was a member of Eastern Star for more than 50 years, was member of Calvary Presbyterian Church Circle for many years and was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary.

In her younger years, hobbies included bowling, gardening, camping and sewing. Later, she enjoyed visiting the senior center, listening to talking books and visiting with friends. Above all, she enjoyed spending time with her family.

She is survived by son Elmer Holmquist, Jr. and wife Beth of Enumclaw; daughter Janis Bowen of Centralia, Wash.; sister Betty Kaehn and husband Chuck of Sun City, Ariz.; seven grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and five great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Elmer Holmquist, Sr.; brother Paul; sister Evelyn; infant daughter Virginia; and grandson Jay Bowen.

A private graveside service took place Aug. 11 and a memorial service was held Sept. 10, at the Enumclaw Masonic Temple.

Memorials are suggested to Calvary Presbyterian Church.