Viola Mae Hitt
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Viola Mae Hitt, 85, of Tamaroa, passed away at 10:45 p.m., Sunday, March 25, 2012 at the Helia Healthcare of Benton, Ill.
Viola was born the second daughter of Aaron and Ariah (Opp) Miller on Aug. 3, 1926 in Rural Tamaroa. She was one of five children born to that union. Her siblings were Bertha Faye Davis of Du Quoin, Betty Van Hoorebeke of Pinckneyville, Richard Miller of Wabash, Ind. and Aaron Miller, who preceded her in death.
She met the love of her life, Robert Lyle Hitt and they were married on March 25, 1947 at Morganfield, Ky. and he preceded her in death on July 19, 1998. Bob and Vi started their family and were blessed with five children - Robert (Barbara) Hitt of Benton, Ill., Lila Jackson of Georgetown, Ind., Steven (Debbie) Hitt of Tamaroa, Ill., and Mark (Cindy) Hitt of Paducah, Ky. Paula K. Hitt died in infancy. Vi was also a loving Grandma to six grandchildren - Shane (Patricia) Jackson of Tamaroa, Ill., Ty Jackson of Richmond, Ky., Amy (David) Bruce of Shiloh, Ill., Christina (Eric) Schlipf of Bloomington, Ill., Paula Harris of Marion, Ill., and Jamie Hitt of Tamaroa, Ill. Also surviving are nine great grandchildren.
Viola was preceded in death by her parents, husband, infant daughter, and one brother.
Aunt Vi, as she was lovingly known, spent her life caring for others. Vi helped take care of her grandparents when she was a young girl. This set into motion her life long gift of helping others. She was especially called on to help countless new mothers and babies get a loving start in this world. She was able to give each of her grandchildren the gift of caring for them as newborns. Vi took pride in helping people and continued her compassionate heart until her death. She was a dedicated member of the Friendship Church of Christ in rural Tamaroa. Vi's hobby of crocheting and embroidery filled many hours for her as she made blankets for the children of the church. They came to be known as Vi blankets. They were treasured gifts to many of the children.
After Vi's children were born, she stayed at home caring for her family. She kept her home beautifully and it was a gathering place for family and friends alike. Vi volunteered in the community at school, church, and as a member of the Home Extension. She volunteered many years at the Shawnee Christian Nursing Center along with her sisters and friends. They formed a group called "Happy Hatters" where they would make hats and costumes for each month of the year. They would delight residents and staff when they would show up in full costume to pass out water and help where needed.
Viola enjoyed living on the family farm until she left to reside in the Helia Healthcare of Benton, Ill. She lived there until her death, still smiling and volunteering to help out.
Funeral services were at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, March 29, 2012 at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin with Bro. Darrel McCombs officiating.
Friends called from 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin.
Burial was in the Sunset Memorial Park at Du Quoin.
Friends may make memorials to the Friendship Church of Christ and will be accepted at the funeral home.
For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.