In Passing

Lori Littrell

Lori Littrell’s Celebration of Life services will be held in the SunBird Ballroom on Thursday, October 27 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. All of Lori’s friends are invited to attend.

Lori succumbed to complications of colon cancer on April 22, 2015, and is greatly missed by all of us, however, throughout all the sadness of losing a mother, daughter, sister, aunt and close friend, we must all remember that beautiful smile and great personality. This is why the family decided to have a Celebration of Life for Lori so, instead of dark suits and black dresses, this will be a casual affair featuring videos prepared by Bill Reid of Lori and her friends here at SunBird as well as her family and friends as she grew up. Bill did a fantastic job on these videos but, of course, we didn’t get everyone and for this we apologize. Lori’s high school friend Denise picked out some of Lori’s favorite old songs and these will be performed by Earl Walker, Maddy Paschal, Ron Butler, Jesse Washington and Mary Poindexter. For a special video we will have a special song written especially for Lori by Jesse Goldstein and performed by Jesse Goldstein and backed by Maddy Paschal. The song is titled Raindrops from Heaven. Jesse is Marlene Weese’s son. Also during the celebration of life for Lori we will provide time for you to share your memories. We’ve all got a lot of memories. Lori worked in the Horizon Room for a couple of years as a bartender and made a host of friends. She then moved into the HOA office and worked at that capacity until cancer forced her out. She helped out at Bandit golf tournaments, mostly as the friendly gal on the cart with the smile and the drinks. She loved it and she loved you. Remember Tuesday, October 27 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.; Bill Reid videos – Lori’s smile – her friends and a cash bar with food by the Kare Bears after the celebration.

Rita E. Schmidt

Rita E. Schmidt passed away peacefully while in home hospice on July 25, 2015. Rita was born in New Berlin, Wisconsin, on April 27, 1946. In 1964 she married Jack, her husband of 51 years.

Rita is survived by her husband and son Mark.

A Memorial Service was held August 29 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Thanks to all our friends for their cards and prayers.

Violet Jean Williams

Violet Jean Williams (Scoggin), 86, of Staunton, Virginia, went home to be with her Lord on Monday, August 24, 2015, after a brave nine month battle with cancer. She was born July 14, 1929, in Atchison, Kansas, a daughter of the late Ross D. and Kathleen M. Scoggin. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Robert V. “Bob” Williams, son Mickey Williams and granddaughter Angelee Williams.

Violet graduated from Atchison High School in 1947 and Phillips University in 1951 where she received her B.S. degree. She received her Master’s degree in Education from Colorado State University. After graduation, Violet taught English, spelling and reading in Effingham, Russell and Beloit, Kansas,, for over 40 years until her retirement.

Violet was married to Robert Williams on August 21, 1949, at the First Christian Church in Atchison, Kansas. One daughter and two sons were born into that union. The couple was privileged to spend more than sixty-three years of married life together.

Violet was a member of the Chandler Christian Church and the Staunton Church of Christ. She loved her church, including many missionaries she contributed to. Violet loved her family and friends and she loved life. She would tell you “bored” was not in her vocabulary. Her favorite pastimes were making jewelry, quilting, traveling, playing bridge and family gatherings.

Survivors include a son Keith Williams of Chandler, Arizona, a daughter Sandra Sandy and husband Paul of Staunton, Virginia, a grandson Ross Sandy and wife Heather of Harrisonburg, Virginia, a sister Kitty Hutchinson of Galveston, Texas, a niece Susan Hughes of Galveston, Texas and many great and great great nieces and nephews.

Henry Funeral Home handled the arrangements. A Celebration of Life service was held on Friday, August 28, 2015, at the Staunton Church of Christ in Staunton, Virginia, with the Reverend Barry Creasy officiating.

Memorials may be made to Staunton Church of Christ, 333 Churchville Avenue, Staunton, Virginia, in loving memory of Violet Williams. Cards may be sent to 168 Sandy Lane, Staunton, Virginia 24401.