Violet “Vi” Robertson, 91

Funeral services for Violet “Vi” Robertson, 91, of Mellette are scheduled for Monday, April 7, 2014, at 10:30 a.m. at the Northwestern United Methodist Church in Mellette.

Reverend Jon Damaska will officiate. Burial will follow in the Mellette Cemetery and lunch will be served at the church hall following the committal service under the direction of Thelen Funeral Home of Redfield.

Visitation will be Sunday from 2-7 p.m. with the family present from 5-7 p.m. at Thelen Funeral Home.

Memorials will be given to Northwestern United Methodist Church or Avera At Home Hospice Care.

Vi died peacefully at her most beloved farm home near Mellette on Thursday morning with her three children and family members at her side.

Vi was born Jan. 24, 1923, to Lettie and Jean Florea of Bonners Ferry, Idaho, where she grew up with six brothers and one sister. She graduated from Bonners Ferry High School in 1940 and went on to secretarial school in Spokane, Wash.

While in Spokane, she met the love of her life, Douglas Robertson from Mellette. On March 6, 1943, they were married in Taft, Calif. After Doug fulfilled his military obligation they made their home in Bonners Ferry until 1950 when they moved to South Dakota where they joined Doug’s father in farming.

Vi was active in her church and served as Sunday school superintendent for many years. She was also active in the Methodist Ladies Aid Society and later United Methodist Women.

She was a life-time member of the American Legion Auxiliary and VFW Auxiliary. Vi was office manager at the Mellette office of Northwestern Public Service for many years. She enjoyed being part of a bowling league and trap shooting club in Mellette.

Vi spent many hours with her friends at the bridge table where she was able to play up into her 80s.

She could often be found with knitting needles or a craft project in her hands. All family members and many of her friends are blessed with one or more of her beautiful afghans. She loved the outdoors and after retirement became an avid camper and fisherman with her husband.

Grateful for having shared her life are her children; Diana (Wayne) Larson of Mellette, Susan (Richard) Heizer, of Cary, Illinois, and Thomas Robertson of Mellette, seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

She is survived by a brother, William (Bill) Florea of Bonners Ferry, Idaho, and a sister Doris (Florea) Barthelemy of Spring Dale, Ark. She will be greatly missed by her constant companion, Molly, her little dog.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Doug, with whom she shared 70 years; her parents and five brothers.

To learn more, go to www.thelenfuneralhome.com