Viola Marie [Richards] Neufeld

© The Bakersfield Californian

Wednesday, 19 July 2006

Submitted by: Sandi Carter

Viola Marie [Richards] Neufeld
Dec. 15, 1914 - July 13, 2006

Viola Richards was born in Hitchcock, Oklahoma. When she was 6, her family moved to Shafter where she grew up and attended Shafter Union High School. In 1930 she met Arnold Neufeld, and they were married five years later. They farmed in Shafter and Wheeler Ridge, were blessed with a daughter and three sons, and later moved to Bakersfield where they built a home near East High School.

Viola's two primary interests were her faith and her family. She was a woman of deep faith and an active member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church. For many years she served as a room mother at the Bakersfield Adventist Academy. Both her church and family benefited from her talents as a seamstress and quilt maker. For over twenty years she served as a member and later Assistant Director of the Dorcas Society at the Hillcrest Adventist Church, serving the needy in the community by providing clothing, food, and quilts. In addition to making quilts, she devoted many hours to teaching the art of quilt making to others. Every family member and many friends received the gift of a quilt from Viola, which serve as fond reminders of her patience, kindness, and generosity.

Viola was preceded in death by her daughter, Darlene Cole, and son, Robert Neufeld.

She is survived by her husband of 71 years, Arnold Neufeld; sons, Rick and wife, Connie, Randy and wife, Brenda; 13 grandchildren, and 23 great grandchildren.

Visitation begins today July 19, from 2-8 p.m. and Thursday, July 20, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., at Peter's Funeral Home, Shafter. Graveside service will be held Friday, July 21, 10:00 a.m., at Shafter Memorial Park.