Violet “Vi” Hall was born in Onalaska, Wash., March 19, 1926 to Rogel and Myrtle Music. She grew up with her parents and brothers in the Tacoma area. After her father’s tragic death, at age 12 Violet became her mother’s biggest helper. During the depression, Violet learned to be frugal and became one of the worlds best at reusing and recycling, a passion she maintained throughout her life. She met her future husband, Edward Hall, while living in Haines in 1944. They were married February 9, 1945. Vi, Ed and the 4 older kids lived in Haines until 1961 before moving to Hermiston, where Dale and Kathy were born. In the house on Baxter Road they raised their 6 children, instilling in them their values of love, compassion, integrity, honesty, and hard work. Their home was the neighborhood gathering place for kids who often enjoyed a sweet treat hot out of the oven. It was warm and welcoming home full of books, games and puzzles for all of the kids to enjoy and learn from. Violet believed in the value of education. She was a lifelong learner and passed this value on to all of her children. She was very proud of her 20 plus years as an OSU Mom, serving as the local chapter’s organizer and Historian. Violet wasn’t just a supporter, she was a cheerleader of her children’s dreams, their education and all their various endeavors.
Violet was a volunteer extraordinaire. She was a leader of 4H, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Campfire Girls. Countless hours were logged at school functions helping out where ever needed. She helped at blood drives for over 50 years and she believed in donating blood and was proud of her 8 gallon certificate. Later in life, never missing an opportunity to help others, she volunteered at the Hermiston Senior Center. Always proud of her families pioneering roots Violet worked many hours on the family’s genealogy, recording her family’s history for future generations.
In the early 70s, Violet was active with the original Land Use Planning efforts in Umatilla and was a lifetime member of the VFW Auxiliary. Learning about the areas geology captivated her interest enough for her to enroll in classes at BMCC and to join the Hat-Rock Rock Hounds exploring the area, the region and the states geology. Additionally she was able to use her experience as a newspaper reporter and her love and talent as a writer to good use writing the Rock Hounds newsletter.
Violet held various jobs over her life. At the age of 18, she became a painter’s helper in the Shipyards during WW2, helping with the war efforts. She worked at the Umatilla Army Depot in 1943 and again in the 1970’s. Violet was a reporter for the Record Courier in Baker, Oregon when she lived in Haines during the 1950’s and again in recent years, recounting and reporting on her many memories of life in Haines. She worked at Walchli Farms on the potato line, as a custodian at Armand Larive Junior High School and McCabe’s Café. She was also a lifeguard and water safety instructor. The job she loved the most was being a homemaker, as she lived her life for her family.
Violet was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Edward I Hall, and her brothers Ronald and Ervin Music. She is survived by her 6 children, Martie (Myrtle) Lamont (Sam) of Fairbanks, Alaska, Edward Hall (Pat) of Littleton, Colorado, Timothy Hall of Seattle, Washington, Bruce Hall (Suzie Stacy) of Vancouver, Washington, Dale Hall (Valerie) of Lebanon, Oregon, Kathleen Dopps (Ken) of Hermiston, Oregon, Sister-in-Law Lois Music of Baker City, Oregon, 10 grandchildren, 21 great-grand children, 5 great-great children and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and her large extended chosen family.
There will be a memorial service for Violet on Sunday, April 3, at 2 p.m. at the Burns Mortuary Chapel, 685 W. Hermiston Ave. Burial will follow at the Hermiston Cemetery. In lieu of flowers Violet would prefer you make a donation to the Hermiston Senior Center at PO Box 854, Hermiston, OR 97838, donate some blood, or become a volunteer in your community.
Please sign the online guest book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
