Aeschliman, Viola Francis Rupp (1912-1999)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 11 Feb 1999 p. 8

Birth date: 1912 Feb 7

text of obituary:

VIOLA AESCHLIMAN

Viola Francis (Rupp) Aeschliman was born Feb. 7, 1912, near Archbold, Ohio, the daughter of Frank and Lydia (Lugbill) Rupp. She died Jan. 5, 1999, at her home at Glencroft Retirement Community, Glendale, Ariz.

She accepted Christ as her Savior as a young girl and was baptized as a member of Central Mennonite Church, Archbold. When her older brothers left home, she became her father’s chief helper on the farm.

On June 10, 1931, she married John G. Aeschliman. Two children, Mona and Merlin, were born while they lived in Archbold. During World War II she supported and cared for the family for two years while John was in a Civilian Public Service camp.

In 1946 they helped to plant Bancroft Mennonite Church in Toledo, Ohio, moving there in 1948. Here she taught Sunday school and Bible studies for neighborhood children and enjoyed singing in special music groups and the Toledo Choral Society.

After John's retirement for health reasons in 1976, they moved to Phoenix, Ariz. Viola continued her vocation as a certified nurse assistant until she was 75. In 1982 John and Viola were among the first residents to move into the Towers at the Glencroft Retirement Community.

In Phoenix, John and Viola became members of Sunnyslope Mennonite Church. Viola enjoyed her friends and involvement there as long as her health allowed.

She is survived by a daughter, Mona and her husband David Mann of Phoenix; a son, Merlin and his wife Kathleen of Salem, Ore.; six grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren; and a brother, Mahlon Rupp of Wauseon, Ohio. She was preceded in death by her husband, John; two grandsons and a great-grandson.

A memorial service was held at Sunnyslope Mennonite Church.