Viola Rosemary Harling Davis, 93, died peacefully April 21, 2009, at Regency on Whidbey in Oak Harbor. She was the eldest of five children. When she was seven her father died in a tragic train accident. Her mother never remarried and then went to work in a nearby town to support the family. This left Viola at home in charge of her four siblings, the youngest an infant.

Viola graduated from McDonnell High School in Chippewa Falls, Wis. She then went to work as a medical assistant in a doctor’s office in her home town. While vacationing with girl friends by train she chanced to meet a tall, dark, handsome man, Lee Davis, who was traveling for business. Lee was finishing up military duty in Oak Harbor. They married in 1954 and made Oak Harbor their home. Vi never left. Oak Harbor to Vi was “God’s country.”

Two years later the love of their life, a daughter Mary was born. Fifty plus years later Viola was still Mary’s greatest fan.

Viola worked at the Casual House in Oak Harbor where she ran the yarn shop for many years. After the yarn shop portion closed down, Vi continued to work for the Allgire family in retail sales.

She was a long-time member of the Oak Harbor Garden Club and a faithful member of St. Augustine’s Catholic Church. She enjoyed family outings, knitting, friends, her church and mostly her daughter Mary.

Viola will be remembered for her quick wit, ready smile, tenacious nature and her “can do” approach to life.

She is preceded in death by her husband Lee and brother Ray. She is survived by her daughter Mary of La Conner; brother Ed Harling of Chippewa Falls, Wis.; brother Elmer Harling of Silver Bay, Minn.; sister Lucille Hilger of Chippewa Falls; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will remember her fondly for her love and affection. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

A funeral mass for Vi will be held at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church on Friday, May 1, at 10 a.m., followed by a reception and a graveside service at Maple Leaf Cemetery. Arrangements were entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel, where family and friends may visit www.burleyfuneralchapel.com to sign a guest register for Vi.