Viola Marie Moran passed away peacefully on Oct. 2, 2015, around 7:25 a.m.

Viola was born on July 19, 1931, to Wm and Ida Foster on a farm near Sargeant, Minnesota. Viola was confirmed at Grand Meadow Lutheran Church and graduated from Grand Meadow High School in 1949. On April 8, 1951, she married Leslie Hinks and raised six children. On Aug. 23, 1971, she married Francis Moran and had a son. She and her husband (Francis) recently celebrated their 44-year anniversary.

Viola cherished her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Spending quality time with them always placed a special smile and glow on her face. She always made sure to spoil her grandchildren even at the expense of enduring her own financial hardships, which is only a small testament into the sacrifices she made into placing others’ needs before her own. Even after suffering a chronic and debilitating stroke several years ago she never stopped being an incredible wife, mother and grandmother.

Viola was the first women in Austin to successfully obtain a home loan through Home Federal Bank. She resided in her home for over 40 years. She was an incredibly self-sufficient, strong and the most resilient person anyone could have known. She loved watching the birds and wild life with her husband on a daily basis while eating popcorn with multitudes of miscellaneous snacks. It is quite possible she watched more episodes of The Golden Girls than anyone to date.

Viola is survived by her husband Francis; daughter Marcia (Steven) Stenberg; sons: Michael (Joan) Hinks, Bruce (Barb) Hinks, Mark (Kathy) Hinks, Dan Hinks, Dr. Todd (Juanita) Moran; and very dear step-daughters: Debra Moran and Jennifer Shumaker.

She is proceeded in death by her daughter Laurie Dittberner who was the first one to welcome her into Heaven, and they had a great deal to catch up on.

A special thanks to all the staff and residents at Adams Nursing Home who were a second family to Viola and treated her with incredible care, dignity, compassion and kindness during her stay which we are forever indebted.

At Viola’s request there will only be a private graveside service at Grand Meadow Cemetery to celebrate her remarkable life.

We are all so thankful of having had Viola in our lives for all these years as either a mother, grandmother, wife or friend. We will all miss you offering us sweets and too much food even when asking for just a “little piece.” Always making birthdays and the holidays so memorable, especially Christmas when making your famous fudge and Lasagna along with an incredible tree each year. Please enjoy your heavenly view and as our newly appointed guardian angel. You will need to get over your fear of heights and flying because we still need you to watch over us as well as to continue to protect us! Viola Marie Moran will be always loved and forever missed!