Fairbank: Violet Mary Shields age 104 passed away December 13, 2016 at Oelwein Healthcare Center. Oelwein, IA. Violet was born May 4 1912 on a farm near Hazleton the daughter of Leslie and Mary (Bodwish) Steggall. She was united in marriage to Richard (Dick) Shields on June 4, 1936 at Sacred Heart Church in Oelwein, they made their home in Fairbank. Vi was a homemaker and was also the bookkeeper for her husband’s business, she also worked for Cowlishaw Insurance and McKee Drugstore all in Fairbank. She enjoyed serving on the Fairbank Library Board as well as being a volunteer for the children’s reading program. She was a longtime member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Her hobbies included playing cards, baking and embroidery.
Survived by: her daughter, Janet Avis and two granddaughters; Diane and Susan Avis along with three nieces; Kay Lowe, Shirley Nauholz and Joann Aubrey.
Preceded by: her parents, her husband, one sister, Frances Nielsen, two brothers; Harry Steggall in infancy and Lynn Steggall and a son-in-law, Albert “Red” Avis
Services: 10:30 am Friday, December 16, 2016 at Woods Funeral Home, Fairbank.
Visitation: 9:30-10:30 am Friday December 16 at the funeral home.
Burial: Immaculate Conception Catholic Cemetery, Fairbank.
Memorials: to the Fairbank Library or the Fairbank Fire Department.
Condolences for Violet “Vi” M. Shields
Vi was a very sweet lady. I have many happy memories of visiting with her in her home in Fairbank and when she would come to Cedar Rapids to visit her family. Thoughts & Prayers to Janet, Diane & Susan and family.
Janet Family & Friends. Its sad to lose someone in death. What helped me the most was prayers and faith in God’s promise at Psalm 34:18 “God is close to the broken heart: he saves those who are crushed in spirit.” For more comforting scriptures, please visit: http://bit.ly/1K38EFt. God’s Kingdom that Jesus taught us to pray for will bring about these wonderful promises. My prayers are with you at this difficult time. If you wish to contact me at: ikeyes@msn.com
Always enjoyed sitting in the booth with her as a very little girl while her and her friends had “coffee and donuts” at the Bel-Mar. I have not seen her in years and am sad to hear she has passed.
Janet, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Your mom was always so welcoming to your friends, long ago. LaVonne Heth Jucha
Janet & family,
I am so sorry to learn of your mother’s death. It’s amazing she lived to be 104. She was such a good friend of my mother, Mary Miller. In fact, Mom had your Mom embroider /cross stitch a bedspread for her….then Mom & Esther Paine worked together to do the quilting. I had the quilt for a few yrs. after Mom died (1985) and now one of our daughters has it. Your Mom told me to use the quilt and not store it. It’s being used and is still very beautiful. She was a special lady. May her soul , and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God , rest in peace. We will offer prayers for her soul and for you and your family at this sad time in your life. “Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”