Viola A. Hedgcock, affectionately known on Grandma Vi, passed into the Lord’s presence on May 9, 2007.

She was born in Leavensworth, Kan., on Sept. 16, 1914, to Thomas and Minnie Brown. She was married to Marion (Joe) Hedgcock in Orting, Wash. on May 1, 1937. Joe preceded her in death on April 16, 1995.

She and Joe moved to Langley on June 15, 1945, when they bought the Swedberg Funeral Home. They owned and operated the funeral home until Nov. 15, 1977, after 32 years of service.

They were both very active in the community. Viola was Mother Advisor to the Rainbow Girls for many years. She was also a den mother, room mother and Sunday school teacher. She was a member of the Langley United Methodist Church and a member of the Order of Eastern Star Langley Chapter.

Survivors include her daughter Janice Erikson and husband John of Clinton; daughter-in-law Becky Hedgcock of Spokane; seven grandchildren, John Hedgcock, Jim Hedgcock and his wife Kathy, Ashley Peterson and her husband Erik, Jodilyn Erikson-Muldrew and her husband Andre, Jana Erikson, Aaron and Ryan Boyle; three great-grandchildren, Gabrielle and Taylor Peterson and Jordan Muldrew. She was preceded in death by her son, Roger Hedgcock, on July 15, 1993.

Grandma Vi will be remembered for her gentleness, kindness and love for her family. Even as her health began to fail she longed to be working amongst her beloved flower gardens or figuring out a crossword puzzle or attending church; she did not feel sorry for herself.

She was an inspiration to all who knew her and took care of her.

She may be gone from our presence but not from our hearts.

The family held a private family interment at the Woodsmen Langley Cemetery on Saturday, May 12. There will be a memorial service at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 2, at Langley CMA Church.