LA CROSSE — Viola Mae Yost, 99, passed away peacefully of natural causes on Oct. 7, at Locust Grove Village in La Crosse. Born Viola Mae Wimmer on July 25, 1915, in Harlan, she was the daughter of Harvey Lester and Mary Ann Zion Wimmer. She graduated from Portis High School, attended college at York College for two years, then finished her teaching education at Fort Hays State University. She enjoyed a long and successful teaching career to include Alexander (for 31 years), Nekoma, and Heizer. Additionally she served as a substitute teacher for McCracken and La Crosse. She served as a correspondent for the Rush County News for 11 years, played piano and organ for the Alexander United Methodist Church for over 62 years, accompanied competitive musical performances for music students and was in high demand to perform at weddings and various social events.
After moving to Hays later in life, Viola found renewed passion for teaching while volunteering as a Foster Grandmother at Holy Family Elementary. She also enjoyed socializing with her friends at her retirement apartment complex and the Hays United Methodist Church. Family was always a priority for Viola as well as service in her church that included serving as a delegate for the United Methodist Annual Conference.
Viola married Harry Yost on June 12, 1938. He preceded her in death on Aug. 2, 2000. She was also preceded in death by infant sister Marilyn Wimmer; brother De Wimmer; sister Sally Smith; and daughter Mary Kay McEvoy.
Viola is survived by sister Vernita Nickel of Riverside, Calif.; son Gary Yost and wife Joy, Bison; son Paul Yost of San Antonio, Texas; daughter Dorothy Plum and husband Bill, of Kansas City, Mo.; and son John Yost and wife Sara, of Olathe. She is also survived by grandchildren Brad Westerman, Brigette Ellis, Melinda Ellis, Rick Yost, Michelle Rieman, Mike Yost, Skyler Yost, Echo Sandburg, Summer Schwindt, Cale Yost, Mackenzie Yost; and 24 great-grandchildren with two great-great grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 11, at Alexander Methodist Church, 103 E. Kepner Ave, in Alexander. Lunch will be provided after the service in the church basement.
The family requests memorial contributions be given to the Locust Grove Village Golden Belt Community Foundation in lieu of flowers. You may donate directly by visiting the Locust Grove Village website at www.rcnh.org and clicking on the Golden Belt Community Foundation “donate” button or obtain the address to send a donation via U.S. Mail. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.fitzgeraldfuneral.com.

Funeral arrangements provided by
Fitzgerald Funeral Home**
P.O. Box 96
Ness City, KS 67560
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Oct. 10, 2014