Evans Funeral Home
"Compassionate Funeral Service"
Carrington and New Rockford, North Dakota
701.652.3003 or 701.947.2911
Secondary Number ~ 701.650.9937
Viola E. Mayers
Viola Elizabeth Goeser Mayers, 96, passed away on Monday, October 14, 2019 at St. Alexius Health, Devils Lake Hospital.
Viola was born February 5, 1923 in Banner Township, the daughter of John and Anna (Wengeler) Goeser. She grew up on the family farm with her parents, three brothers, three sisters and often shared fond memories of working and playing there. She attended school in Banner Township, received her teaching certificate, and taught until she married.
She and Gerald Mayers married on September 24, 1946 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Calio, ND. They settled in Devils Lake where they raised their six children. They celebrated 68 years of marriage until Jerry passed away in 2014.
Viola was a skilled homemaker, helped at St. Joseph parish and school, was a member of the Circle of Infant of Prague, and supported Jerry in his Knights of Columbus and business endeavors.
She loved playing cards with family and friends, and could beat most of us at any card game, even at age 96! She also loved to dance and recalled with glee the many dances she attended with Jerry; her eyes always twinkled at the thought of a waltz or polka.
Above all, Viola was a devout Christian and a loving wife, mother, sister, and friend. In her quiet way, she loved, listened, and helped friends and family alike.
She leaves all six of her children: Nancy (Mike) Krueger of Felton MN, Linda Claverly of Mesa AZ, Gary (Stephanie) Mayers of Bastrop TX, Randy (Cindy) Mayers of Devils Lake ND, Lynn (Mary Ann) Mayers of Cincinnati OH and Wayne (Ramah) of Burlington KY.
She leaves sixteen grandchildren: Scott Krueger, Kashane (Rick) Clausen, Krista (Zakk) Dunning, Steven Cooley, Dustin Mayers, Brandi (Daniel) Howell, Amanda Mayers, Melissa (Bob) Bingham, Becky Mayers, Robert (Heather) Mayers, Nicole (Cody) Samuel, Allyson (Nicholas) Rafanello, Katelyn (Jay) Chamberlain, Becky (Alex Main) Schmidt, Silas Mayers, and Kaden Mayers, along with many great grandchildren.
Viola also leaves three brothers, Edwin (Iona) Goeser, Eugene (Mary) Goeser, and Pete (Nancy) Goeser and her sister, Diane (Richard) Jundt.
She was preceded in death by her husband Gerald, granddaughter Ariane Wheeler, great granddaughter Katiana Wheeler, and sisters Genevieve McLean and Irene Sterling.
She also leaves many beloved friends and in-laws, and treasured caregiver Rose Rockvoy. Many family members and friends visited and helped Viola during her final two weeks, a testimony to the power of friendship and love. We are truly grateful for the outpouring of support.
Visitation will be from 4-7PM Sunday, October 20, 2019 with a Rosary Service and Scripture Service at 7:00PM, all in Gilbertson-Golger Funeral Home, Devils Lake, ND.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, October 21, 2019, at 10:00AM in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Devils Lake, ND.
Burial will be held at the St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, Devils Lake, ND.
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I remember well how Vi, Jerry, the Borhos, the Herdas and others would go dancing out at the Elk’s, or get together at each other’s homes for card-playing. They all had such a good time. I’m grateful that Vi, and Jerry were a part of Mom’s and Dad’s lives and, consequently, our lives. The thought brings back fond childhood memories.
I’ve got the most wonderful memories of Viola. As a child, I was envious of my cousins as their mother was a terrific cook….while my Mom was ok. During the summer and at Christmas, we would go to visit Grandparents see all our aunts, uncles and cousins. One of the many highlights to going to Devils Lake was running down the street to Viola and Jerry’s to play with our cousins.
If you were clever, you could time it so that got a treat from Grandma (devils food cake with caramel frosting being my favorite) and Grandpa serving up Elf strawberry soda. After a treat, we’d be told to go play and if you said you were going to Viola and Jerry’s, you could run down the street where Viola would offer you a snack.
She made the most wonderful bars, pies and cakes. As I was the youngest and a girl, I often got left out from playing with the boys. Yet, I always wanted to go to their house because Viola and I would sit at the kitchen table, play cards and have treats. She holds a special place in my heart and when I think of her, I think of how wonderful and gracious she always was…..and about all the wonderful treats and talks we had.
Grandma, I will miss you so much. I will not, however, miss how hard you would dry my hair after a bath in the winter! I wish it hadn’t taken me so many years to grow up. I missed out on a lot of memories that we could have made. You will forever be in my heart. I love you, always.