Viola Corn

Viola M. Corn, age 100, of Lansing, KS, passed away peacefully in her home on August 17, 2018, at Lansing, KS.  She was born June 19, 1918, in Hiawatha, KS to the late George W. and Nellie V. (Gibbs) Boyce. There were seven children in the Boyce family. 

Viola married A.L. Bellinger (deceased) of Hiawatha, KS and later divorced.  She married Willis D. (Bill) Corn in 1963 and became a mother to five children.  Bill, the love of her life, worked for the Missouri Pacific Railroad as a Signalman, and was promoted to General Chairman of the Union Pacific Railroad.  He retired in 1987 and they spent their time traveling between Kansas City and their second home in Weslaco, TX as well as visiting family in all parts of the country.  Bill loved to play golf and, he and Vi, were avid fans of the Chief’s and the Royals. 

Viola assisted in farm work, was the dietitian of Hiawatha Hospital, meal coordinator and cook for Hiawatha Elementary School, a pastry chef for a restaurant in Hiawatha, KS., and a florist in Falls City, NE.

Viola was a passionate gardener, photographer, china painter, needle artist and quilter.  She was a member of the Falls City First Christian Church; Fairview Christian Church of Gladstone, MO; Falls City BPOE Doe organization and VFW Auxiliary.  Viola was also a member of the Eastern Star in Falls City and was one of the original advisors to the newly organized Rainbow Girls in Falls City in the 1960’s. She also was a member of the china painting club in North Kansas City.

She is survived by her children, Judith Nibbelink (Larry) of Leavenworth, KS, Frances (Dale) Richmond of Kansas City, MO, Nancy (Bob) Lehrer of Santa Fe, NM, Carol (Don) Kunkel of Olathe, KS, Lloyd (Sheryl) Bellinger of Niwot, CO, Duane (Virgilene) Bellinger of Tulsa, OK, John (Louise) Boyce, brother, of Sabetha, KS, 21 grand-children and 32 great grand-children, many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Bill Corn, sisters Jennie Strunk, Maude Diamon, Betty Jones, brothers George Boyce, Donnie Boyce and daughter, Barbara Bellinger Finger.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, August 23rd 10:00 a.m. at Terrace Park Funeral Home and Cemetery 801 NW 108th St, Kansas City, MO. (169 Highway and Shoal Creek Parkway).  The funeral will begin at 11:00 a.m. with graveside service following.

Memorial contributions may be made to “Viola Corn Memorial Fund” for a bird sanctuary at Twin Oaks Retirement Community and sent to Judith Nibbelink, 17250 Springdale Rd., Leavenworth, KS 66048. Also, memorials can be made to her Gladstone church.

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