Funeral services for Viola Stotz, 84, of McLaughlin will be 10 AM, MT Friday, January 14, 2011 at United Church of Christ in McLaughlin. Burial will be January 20, 2011 at 11:30 AM, MT at Black Hills National Cemetery under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge. Visitation will be from 3-7 PM CT at the funeral home, with a prayer service starting at 7 PM CT. Viola passed away January 12, 2011 at the Mobridge Regional Hospital.

Viola Stotz was born January 29, 1926 on the farm southeast of McLaughlin to Jacob and Caroline (Mertz) Bauder, joining 9 brothers and 3 sisters. Viola worked as a waitress at Em's Café in McLaughlin, before marrying Eugene M. Stotz on April 13, 1947. They lived in town before moving to the Stotz farm and ranch 5 miles west of McLaughlin in the early 1950's.

They were blessed with 3 children: Charles L. Stotz of Huron, Gail D. Stotz of Rapid City, and Craig K. Stotz of McLaughlin. Viola was a loving wife and mother, always there to see to every ones needs and an independent lady. She was a fun loving, loved to laugh, enjoyed her family and grandchildren. Viola loved to cook, her family called her the best cook in Corson County. When the guys were in the field, Viola would bring them ice tea at 3 o' clock every day. Viola had a big garden every year and did lots of canning with her garden rewards till the age of 80. She was active and involved in her church throughout her life.

She was a classy lady always looking her best. When the family would get together, she would put on a feast. When the first granddaughter was born they sold their house in Arizona and also the motor home, because they missed their granddaughter Danielle.

Viola is survived by 3 children Charles L. Stotz of Huron, Gail D. Stotz of Rapid City, and Craig K. Stotz of McLaughlin 3 brothers, Rick Bauder, Harvey Bauder, and Ervin Bauder, 2 sisters Bernice Record and Ernestine Ballard, 6 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and 6 brothers, Ed, Rueben, Milbert "Mibitz", Fred, Walt and Hesse and 1 sister, Hilda.

Casketbearers will be grandsons MJ Kraft, Brian Brownell, and Taylor Stoecker (by choice), Nephews, Kory Bauder, Gary Stotz, Keith Stotz.

Honorary casketbearers are Danielle Stotz (Granddaughter), John Stotz(Grandson), Shirley Martin, Harvey Bauder, Ervin Bauder, Rick Bauder, Ernestine Ballard, Bernice Record, Curtis Stotz (Grandson), Chuckie Stotz (Grandson), Bradley Brownell (Grandson) and All Special Friends

Organist will be Patty Schmeichel.

Usher is Dale Schmeichel.

Congregational Hymns will be Old Rugged Cross and How Great Thou Art.