Viola Jansen

Viola Alyce Jansen was born December 26, 1921, in rural George, Iowa to Heiko and Minnie (Casjens) Gruis. She was raised on the family farm and attended Wheeler #2 Country School. After graduating from the 8th grade, she cared for her mother. Viola was united in marriage to George Jansen on January 12, 1944 at the Hope Reformed Church parsonage. George and Viola took over the Jansen family farm, retiring in 1979. Viola taught Sunday School for 27 years and was a member the Women's Circles at Hope Reformed Church. She enjoyed vegetable and flower gardening, canning, baking, sewing and handwork. She worked along side George with the farm work and chores. Following George's death on May 4, 2009, she moved on July 5, 2009 to an apartment at the Gardens at Creekside in Olathe, Kansas to be near her daughter. She made new friends at the apartments and while attending First Presbyterian Church, making an incredible adjustment to her move so far from George, Iowa. Following surgery in November, 2012, she moved into David and Marlene's home for her care. On June 22, 2013, Viola passed away peacefully with Marlene at her side at the age of 91.

Left to cherish her memories are her daughter, Marlene, and her husband David Ellrich, of Olathe, Kansas; two grandsons, Kyle Ellrich of Denver, Colorado and Mark Ellrich of Mission, Kansas; two sister-in-laws, Sylvia Gruis of Little Rock, Iowa and Ann Gruis of George, Iowa.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Heiko and Minnie Gruis; her husband, George; seven brothers, Justus, Elmer, Ivan, Joe, Charles, Edward and Harvey; two sisters, Carrie Nagel and Arlene Kruse; brother and sister-in-laws, Harry and Johanna Jansen.


Blessed be her memory.