Obituary of Violet Caroline Knoll

Violet Caroline Knoll (Nanny) was born 5/19/1916 in Hazen North Dakota to Bertha and Philip Schlosser. Oldest daughter, Violet, had 2 sisters, Lila and Caroline and 1 brother, Clemens (Sonny) Schlosser, all preceded by death. Violet grew up in Mandan North Dakota, where she lived by and went to school with her best friend, Ida Kupper. Violet met Joseph Knoll, who was also born in Manden ND to Albert and Lucia. This Knoll family consisted of: Al, John, Billy, Shorty, Celia, Rose and AnnaMary. Presently still living in California is Billy and his family and AnnaMary in Colorado. Violet's sister-in-law, Genevieve (Al) Knoll still lives in Tacoma. Violet and Joseph (Poppy), also known as Mumpy to some, were married August 1, 1932 in North Dakota. Violet and Joseph had 3 children: Joyce Rose, Marlene Kathleen (Marlene is preceded in death) and daughter/Granddaughter Cathy Lee. This family left North Dakota for Washington in 1938. They returned to ND in 1942 but came back to WA to stay in 1943. Coincidentally in about 1945, Violet and Joseph purchased a home across the street from their best friends from North Dakota Jack and Ida Kupper. Joseph worked for many years at the infamous "Steve's Gay 90's" where owner Steve Pease also employed many other family members. Joseph and Violet and their siblings (and spouses) enjoyed many, many fun filled nights at the Gay 90's. The North Dakota families and friends all lived within close distance of each other and spent much time together also enjoying fishing at Westport, or having get-togethers at their own homes. Someone was always cooking and baking. There was much talking, laughing and sharing of stories. They all lived life working hard and having fun. (Referring to a song: They were all somewhere between raising hell and amazing grace). Violet was a homemaker most of her life, with the exception of owning and operating a cafe in Tacoma called "Vi and Martha's Cafe". She enjoyed cooking, fishing, crocheting, playing cards and Yahtzee. She loved to go to Reno and being around the family and friends she loved. She enjoyed spending time with her best friends Ida Kupper and Sister Rose Donohoe, SJP. We must also not forget her passion for baseball, our Seattle Mariners. Violet leaves 2 daughters, 7 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. Grandchildren are as named: Lisa Starr, Debbie Zawacki, Cindy Hilmer, Tom Zawacki, Mike Zawacki, Joe Zawacki and John Zawacki. Great-grandchildren are as named: Travis Starr, Kramer Starr, Carly Starr, Michele Ford, Corey Baughn, Mark Zawacki, Eric Zawacki, Brittany Hilmer, Adam Hilmer, Aaron Zawacki, A.J. Copp and Natalie Zawacki. Great-great-grandchildren are as named: Cassandra (Cassie) Ford and Mark Bradford-Zawacki. Life on earth has been altered by the loss of this most loved and special lady. We know she is home now with those she has missed. She is not in any more pain or discomfort. She is with God in the most glorious place filled with only peace and joy. However, she is so very missed to us who are still wanting her here to see, to hold, to comfort and to love. If I had a single flower for every time I think of you, I could walk forever in my garden. Thank God for you. MOM'S/GRANDMA'S HANDS Mom/Grandma, some ninety plus years, sat feebly on the living room chair. She didn't move, just sat with her head down staring at her hands. When I sat down beside her she didn't acknowledge my presence and the longer I sat I wondered if she was OK. Finally, not really wanting to disturb her but wanting to check on her at the same time, I asked her if she was OK. She raised her head and looked at me and smiled. "Yes, I'm fine, thank you for asking," she said in a clear voice strong. "I didn't mean to disturb you, Nanny, but you were just sitting here staring at your hands and I wanted to make sure you were OK," I explained to her. "Have you ever looked at your hands," she asked. "I mean really looked at your hands?" I slowly opened my hands and stared down at them. I turned them over, palms up and then palms down. No, I guess I had never really looked at my hands as I tried to figure out the point she was making. Nanny smiled and related this story: "Stop and think for a moment about the hands you have, how they have served you well throughout your years. These hands, though wrinkled, shriveled and weak have been the tools I have used all my life to reach out and grab and embrace life. "They braced and caught my fall when as a toddler I crashed upon the floor. They put food in my mouth and clothes on my back. As a child, my mother taught me to fold them in prayer. They tied my shoes and pulled on my boots. They held my husband. "They have been dirty, scraped and raw, swollen and bent . They were uneasy and clumsy when I tried to hold my newborn children. Decorated with my wedding band they showed the world that I was married and loved by someone special. They wrote my letters and trembled and shook when I buried my parents and spouse and they wiped my tears. "They have held my children and grandchildren, consoled neighbors, and shook in fists of anger when I didn't understand. They have covered my face, combed my hair, and washed and cleansed the rest of my body. They have been sticky and wet, bent and broken, dried and raw. And to this day when not much of anything else of me works real well, these hands hold me up, lay me down, and again continue to fold in prayer. "These hands are the mark of where I've been and the ruggedness of life. But more importantly it will be these hands that God will reach out and take when he leads me home. And with my hands He will lift me to His side and there I will use these hands to touch the face of Christ." I will never look at my hands the same again. But I remember God reached out and took my Nanny's hands and led her home. When my hands are hurt or sore or when I stroke the face of my children and grandchildren, I will think of Nanny. I know she has been stroked and caressed and held by the hands of God. I, too, want to touch the face of God and feel His hands upon my face. Please take the time to share some words or stories here at this site and visit what others have shared. It will always be here to view and update any new thoughts or stories. Thank you for all your _expressions and words of sympathy, you are much loved and appreciated. Joyce Neal and Cathy Adam