Violet G. Launius
Violet “Vi” G. Launius, 88, of Troy, born Thursday, April 24, 1930 in Nashville, passed away on Wednesday, February 6, 2019 at St. Louis University Medical Center in Saint Louis, Missouri.
Vi was born and raised on the family farm in rural Nashville, attended grade school in a one-room schoolhouse that both her father and grandfather attended and her mother taught in Grattendick school in rural Nashville, located one-and-a-half miles from where she was born. She then graduated from Nashville High School in 1948, from Southern Illinois University Carbondale with a bachelor of science degree in elementary education in 1952 and then from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and received her master’s degree in education in 1975. Before marriage she taught in the Roxana, and Mascoutah school districts. She then was a stay-at-home mom and a substitute teacher in the Triad School District. Violet retired from Pontiac-William Holiday School in Fairview Height where she taught junior high school English and was the librarian.
She was a faithful member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Helping Hands and the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. Vi was a member of the Madison County Farm Bureau, Jarvis Township Seniors, past president of the Troy Women’s Club, Illinois Retired Teachers Association and both a Cub Scouts and Girls Scouts leader. A great supporter of education for not only her children but all children, helping and supporting the St. Paul’s Lutheran School Library and donating books to other libraries when she was able to do so. She enjoyed reading, genealogy and the arts.
Surviving are her children, Sherry Launius of Troy, Steven Launius living in the same house she was born in Nashville and Gregory Launius of Saint Louis; grandchildren Christopher Schlemer, Dana (Brian) Proffitt and Keri Schlemer; great-grandchildren Brayden and Brylee Proffitt; dear aunt, cousin and friend.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Delmer Launius whom she married December 13, 1952 and who passed away on December 3, 2004; her parents Benjamin and Louise (nee Wichser) Groennert; and her sister, Marie Gray.
Funeral services were held on Monday, February 11 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church with the Rev. Mitchel Schuessler officiating. Graveside services followed Monday at Zion United Church of Cemetery in Addieville.
Memorials may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, in Troy. Online expressions of sympathy may be made at www.Richesonfh.com.
Richeson Funeral Home in Troy was in charge of arrangements.
