Viola Mae was born on June 19, 1935, in Belcourt, ND to Jean and Eliza (Swain) Azure. Her family moved to Poplar, MT when Viola was very young where she attended school. In 1955, Viola was married to Joseph LaRoche and they had four children together. They later divorced. Viola then met the love of her life, Frank Kelsey; from this union they had three children.
Viola was a huge family person. She loved having her family around all the time. Listening to her grandchildren laughing and playing in her back yard brought her great joy, whether they were playing in the sandbox, running through the sprinkler, playing on the swing set, climbing the crabapple tree, or hiding in the choke cherry trees. BBQ’s at her home or picnics and exploring at the farm brought so much joy to Viola. Sunday drives were a favorite past time of Frank, Viola, and whichever grandchild that happen to spend the night the night before. Viola’s grandchildren were her greatest joy. They were gifted with hush money or different small trinkets from her closet/hiding space. Viola’s favorite pastime with her friends was playing bingo or keno at the local bingo hall.
Viola had numerous jobs throughout her life but her most favorite one was when she started working at the school. She loved working in the kitchen; this gave her the opportunity to be around all the children who brought her so much joy and happiness.
Viola died on Monday, October 24, 2016, at the Friendship Villa Health Care Community, Miles City, MT.
Viola is survived by: her husband, Frank Kelsey; her children, Veda Azure, Sidney, MT, Joseph (Coleen) LaRoche, Poplar, MT, Patrick (Wanda) LaRoche, Bozeman, MT, Ronald (Diane) LaRoche, Poplar, MT, Tana (Gary) Lee, Williston, ND, David Kelsey, Poplar, MT, and James (Liz) Kelsey, Savage, MT; her sisters, Maxine Loomis, Prescott, AZ, Mary Irwin, Sidney, MT and Rosie Azure, Missoula, MT; her 17 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, and 1 great great grandson.
Viola is preceded in death by: her parents, Jean and Eliza; her brothers, Scotty, King, and Gene; a sister, Annie; three grandsons, Raymond LaRoche, Chad LaRoche, and Hunter Dehner; a great grandson, Grady Sunwall.