MESA, ARIZ. — Violetta Louise Karst, 81, died April 26, surrounded by her loving family, after a brief illness. She was a loving Wife, Mother, and Nana.

Violetta was born Feb. 17, 1930, in Albert, to the late Otto, Sr., and Ellen (Arnold) Oetken. She graduated from Otis High School in 1948. During her senior year, she met the love of her life, Marvin Karst, and they were wed June 24, 1948. As they shared their first dance as husband and wife, it was pouring down rain and lightening filled the reception hall, but still they danced.

Mrs. Karst was an asset to her husband’s business, Karst Dirt Construction, working as the bookkeeper for 28 years. She and her husband moved to Mesa, Ariz., upon retirement in 1999.

Her interests included playing card games and hand painting china. In addition to her love of dance, she treasured singing. She sang in high school competitions, and she was a member of a trio that traveled through the valley. But her greatest joy was spending time with her only granddaughter, Lindsay.

Violetta is survived by her husband of 62 years, Marvin; her daughter Karen and her husband Richard Hoskins; her granddaughter, Lindsay Hoskins; her sister, Betty Huenergardt; numerous nieces; a nephew; and friends. Preceding her in death were her parents, Otto, Sr. and Ellen (Arnold) Oetken; and her brother Otto Oetken Jr.

A celebration of life honoring Violetta Louise Karst was held on Saturday, April 30, at Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park and Funeral Care in Mesa, Ariz. A memorial service honoring Vi will be held at a later date in Great Bend. In lieu of flowers, the family request contributions to be made in honor of Violetta to the Alzheimer’s Association, by visiting www.alz.org. Pay tribute to Violetta by visiting the family’s website, at www.MariposaGardens.com.