Viola L. Elder

VIOLA L. ELDER MORROWVILLE – Viola Louise Yager Durst Elder, daughter of Philip and Margaret (Cummings) Yager was born March 8, 1905 on the family farm west of Morrowville. She departed this life on August 10, 2005, at the Washington County Hospital, after a short illness at the age of 100 years, five months and two days. She celebrated her 100th birthday with family and friends. Viola graduated from Iowa Creek County School, where her father had served on the school board for 30 years. On March 29, 1923 she was united in marriage to Frank Everett Durst at 18 years of age. To this union 4 children were born, Harold, Margaret, Duane and Gerald. She was a kind and loving mother to her stepchildren Kenneth age 7, and Sylvester and 3. Their mother, Franks first wife, passed away in 1921. She also cared for Frank’s ailing mother, sewing her dresses and cleaning her home for many years. Viola and Frank farmed for many years. Frank passed away March 25, 1954 at their farm home where she cared for him. Viola worked for Luther Bonham in Fairbury, NE as a companion to Mrs. Bonham. She married Guy Elder June 12, 1959. They farmed until retiring to their home in Washington, where they lived several years. Guy passed away May 30, 1980 at the Washington County Hospital after a short illness. He was a kind and loving husband. Her hobbies included restoring, dressing and collecting dolls. She also enjoyed quilting, crocheting rugs, and gardening. She was known for having popcorn and popcorn balls for her grandchildren. She is survived by daughter, Margaret Durst Smith and husband Floyd, Lincoln, NE; sons, Duane Durst, Washington, Gerald Durst and wife Laurine, Virginia, NE; 11 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild; sisters, Ruby Spence, Edith Materi, both of Washington, Leta Higel, Fairbury, NE, Elsie Kranzler and husband Milton, Salina; many step children, step grandchildren and step great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister Mildred Barnes; brother Herman Yager; Son Harold Durst; daughters in law Elfriede Durst and Ruth Ailene Durst; step sons Kenneth and Sylvester Durst; granddaughter Sharlene Durst and Great grandson Jeramie Durst. A kind and loving mother and grandmother, she will be greatly missed by family and friends. A private family inurnment will be at a later date at the Morrowville Cemetery. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Viola L. Elder, please visit our flower store.