MENTONE - Viola Berthene Babcock, 86, passed away in her sleep Oct. 16, 2010. For 85 of those years she enjoyed extraordinary good health. Her last year was a trial after suffering a heart attack November 2009. She did rally however and was able to spend her last months in her home at Retired Tigers. She loved it there.
She was born Dec. 7, 1923, in Mentone, to Ithel Vere and Mary Ann O'Connell Smith. She was previously married to Joseph F. McKeigue Sr. She later married Dale O. Babcock, who passed away Sept. 1, 1971.
She retired from Bertsch Vending, Warsaw, was active in the Warsaw Senior Citizens Group and was formerly a part of the Dancing Grannies.
She was an exceptionally attractive woman with beautiful brown eyes. She loved playing almost any game but specifically Euchre, SkipBo and Hand & Foot. There was never a crossword or Sudoku that she could pass up. She loved to fish, dance, cook and laugh. She had a good life. She will be missed.
Surviving are her children: Joseph F. (and spouse Janet) McKeigue, Warsaw; Judy McKeigue, North Webster; and Jane (and spouse Miles) Perry, Oro Valley, Ariz; two grandsons, Christopher Nelson, Indianapolis, and Josh Huffman, Aurora, Colo.; two granddaughters, Kelly Huffman, Aurora, and Paige Nelson Hubner, Warsaw; a stepdaughter, Joan Holbrook, Warsaw; a stepson, Jim Babcock, Lancaster, Pa.; and her faithful feline companion Lucky. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers Gale and Earl; her beloved sisters, Irene and Evelyn; a grandson, Delford Nelson; and a stepdaughter, Wanda June Brown.
A private family graveside service will be at a later date at Mentone Cemetery.
No calling is planned.
King Memorial Home, 101 N. Tucker St., Mentone, is in charge of arrangements.
Condolences may be sent www.hartzlerfuneralservices.com
