Oct. 1929 – Jan. 2018
Viola Jane Gross Zoodsma was born on a farm near Madison, SD on October 29, 1929 to Ellwood and Esther Gross. Older brothers Emerson, Wallace, Kenneth, Gordon, and Lawrence welcomed a sister to the family, and younger brother John was born two years later on Christmas Day.
Viola spent the first eight years of her education in a rural one-room schoolhouse, then rode the bus to Eastern High School in Madison. Viola attended Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, SD, where she graduated in 1951. While at DWU, Viola met the love of her life, Marion Zoodsma, who she married in 1952.
Viola taught school in South Dakota, Colorado, New Mexico, and California, where she moved in 1963. Viola was active in many groups in Modesto, including AAUW, United Methodist Women, several bridge groups, Girl Scouts, and PTA.
She is survived by her husband Marion Zoodsma, daughter Andrea Zoodsma and husband Mark Eckles, daughter Julia Zoodsma Stone and husband Jim, son Paul Zoodsma and wife Colleen, brother John Gross, and grandchildren Christian Eckles, Andrew Eckles, Andrew Stone, Kate Zoodsma, and Jill Zoodsma. She was preceded in death by daughter Sylvia Ann Zoodsma.
Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, neighbor, teacher and bridge player; she will be missed by those she made feel so special.
Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First United Methodist Church of Modesto.
Condolences(4)-
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The ONeills says
January 31, 2018 at 1:29 amWe remember Viola as full of it!!
Full of Life..
Full of Laughter…
Full of Love…..
We are sorry for your loss and
We will miss her visits to the Hood!
Donna & Shereen says
January 30, 2018 at 12:20 amMr. Zoodsma & Family
Our hearts are saddened by the loss of Mrs Zoodsma. She was a wonderful neighbor and always so kind and welcoming to us. Our thoughts and prayers are with you & your family.
May you find peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Your neighbors,
Donna & Shereen
Mr & Mrs R. Hamilton says
January 29, 2018 at 11:53 pmSo sorry for your lost. She was a wonderful person as you all are. Will come down to see you soon.
God Bless,
Ron and Mary Hamilton
Mary Lopes says
January 28, 2018 at 3:38 amAunt Viola, you will be greatly missed because you were loved so much. I treasure the times I have had with you.
Lots of love,
Niece Mary