Violet Rose (Walker) Anderson, 88, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, April 24, 2021, in Rapid City, SD, surrounded by her loving family.

Violet was born on January 8, 1933, in Selfridge, ND, the seventh child of Samuel and Christina (Oswald) Walker. In 1934, the family moved to Lodi, CA. After the untimely passing of her father at age 32, the family returned to Selfridge and then later moved to Hazleton, ND. On December 7, 1942, her mother passed away. The family was separated and Violet and her brother, Ed went to live with their uncle and aunt, George and Rose Walker. George and Rose sold their farm and moved to Lodi, CA, and Violet and Ed were placed in the care of their daughter, Rose and her husband, Adolph Haman. After completing the eighth grade, Violet left the Haman home and moved to McLaughlin, SD, where she was employed by Martha and Emmons Wolfer in their cafe. The Wolfer's were a blessing to Violet, providing employment and a place to live above the restaurant.

Violet married Leo Wiest on September 13, 1954, at St. Bernard's Catholic Church in McLaughlin, SD, where they made a home for many years and welcomed four wonderful children. She was an extremely hard worker, and owned and operated various businesses including Vi's Cafe, the Elkhorn Hotel, and the Corner Bar. Violet and Leo divorced in 1970 and in 1975 she moved to Sturgis, SD, with her children to be closer to her sister, Loretta. She was employed by Loretta and her brother-in-law, C.E. "Doc" Moser, at the Fireside Lounge. She met William (Bill) Anderson, in Sturgis, and they were married on April 26, 1977.

After coming to know the Lord, she became active in her church, and enjoyed teaching Sunday school. She was loved by both the children and adults. She was not afraid to share her love of Jesus, and her fervent prayer was that all of her family would come to know Jesus as their savior. She mentioned more than once that she wouldn't wish Hell on her worst enemy. By her example, we learned love, compassion, and generosity.

Hospitality was just one of her gifts; the meals she made, including the scrumptious, mouth-watering macaroni and potato salads, along with her ability to make the best fried eggs in the Midwest, were just a few of her specialties. Of course, one can't forget to mention the family favorite, chocolate cake with caramel frosting, lovingly referred to by her family as "Grandma cake". No one ever left her home hungry! The energy she had was beyond belief; she worked circles around all of us! Her home was beautifully decorated, which was but another of her talents, along with her mad immaculate housekeeping skills. She spent many hours tending to her flowers and garden, and loved sharing the fruits of her labors with family and friends.

Although our hearts are broken, we are thankful for her love, and the precious memories she has left with us. She is forever in our hearts, and missed beyond measure.

Blessed to have shared in her life are her husband of 44 years, William Anderson of Sturgis, SD; son, Gary (Shannon) Wiest of Carmichael, CA; daughters, Brenda (Fenton) Johnson of Newcastle WY, and Patricia (Michael) Reid of Highlands Ranch, CO; son in law, Joe Hopson, of Sturgis, SD; brother, Samuel Walker, Lincoln, NE; nine grandchildren, Jaimie, Cody Jo, Casey, Lauren, Tyler, Nicholas, Drew, Morgan and Kara; twenty-four great-grandchildren, Elyse, Tré, Abby, Gavin, Kaidan, Braeden, Sam, Bailey, Will, Ari, Liam, Carter, Sophie, Bennett, Keira, Coraline, Coen, Bodhi, Jack, Shanya, Akira, Terrell, Mo, and Faith; and four great-great grandchildren, Grayson, Giovanni, Hudson, and Jordan; numerous nieces and nephews who were very special to her, and she to them.

Violet was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Colette Kaye Hopson; her parents; brothers, Leo, Reinhold, and Edward Walker; sisters, Lavina Opp, Loretta Moser, Luella Stegemen, Louise Linner, and an infant sister.

A celebration of Violet's life will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, May 21, 2021, at Calvary Baptist Church, 707 7th Street, Sturgis, SD, with Pastor Brian Ross officiating.

Inurnment will be at a later date at Bear Butte Cemetery Sturgis, SD.

A memorial has been established in her honor to Samaritan's Purse.

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