Viona (Singer) Smith

Viona Marie Smith was born in Akron, Ohio on May 19, 1929, the daughter of Floy (Mingle) and Alton Rollyson. She attended East High School in Akron and is a graduate of the University of Akron with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science.

In 1949 she married John Michael Singer. Together they had three children- Christine (George Van Buren, grandchildren, Michael, Elizabeth, Thomas, Andrew and five great-grandchildren); Kathleen (Thomas Mumaw, grandchildren, David, Brian and Michele); and John (Dana Schoonover Singer, grandchildren, John, Alexandra and Luke). Husband John preceded Viona in death in 1966 after a long illness.

She moved to Tallmadge, Ohio in 1978, where she lived with her husband, Von C. Smith for 30 very happy years until his death in 2008. She is also survived by Von’s daughter, Lynn (Thomas Dean, grandson Craig and two great-grandchildren). Viona is predeceased by Von’s daughter Karen.

Viona served as a long time City of Tallmadge councilwoman and was active in the campaigns for a new Tallmadge High School and community recreation facility.

Her whole family treasures her hand crocheted afghans and Christmas ornaments that she made years ago. Her grandchildren have fond memories of trips to the Metro Parks, backyard croquet, overnight visits, making colored water, celebrating Christmases together, baking chocolate chip cookies, trips to the Akron Inventure Place and Wingfoot Lake family picnics.

Viona’s gracious and comfortable passing took place on June 14, 2018. Her family wants to recognize the excellent care she received from every single staff member at both the Inn at Poland Way and Hospice of the Valley. She also found peace in the pastoral and liturgical care of the Reverend Monsignor William Connell and the Very Reverend Andrew Van Buren.

Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial visitation at the Donovan Funeral Home, 17 Southwest Ave., Tallmadge, OH (on the Historic Tallmadge Circle) 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 23, 2018 followed by a service at 11:00 a.m.

Viona’s wish was that memorials be in the form of contributions to the Multiple Sclerosis Society – Ohio Buckeye Chapter, 6155 Rockside Road Suite 202, Independence, OH 44131.

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