Violet Gross

Otto and Kathryn Stevahn’s only child, Violet was born November 12, 1935, in Wishek, North Dakota. She attended schools in Wishek and after graduating high school, attended business college in Aberdeen, South Dakota. After finishing there she went to work for the McIntosh County Welfare office in Ashley, North Dakota. It was while working there that a co worker suggested she meet her cousin, a handsome young man who had just returned from the Korean War. His name was Marvin Gross. They married in April of 1956.

In fall of that year they move to Wahpeton, North Dakota where Marvin attended the state school of science. In December of 1956 their first son Terrance was born. While still in Wahpeton in the fall of 1957 a second son Ronald was born. Upon finishing school Marvin worked several jobs and eventually took a job in Dickinson, North Dakota. In 1960 a daughter, Linda was born. While in Dickinson, Violet worked for General Adjustment Bureau.

In 1968 the family moved to Darby, Montana and then to Spokane in 1970. Violet worked for different insurance companies over the years but stopped working full time in the late 70’s.

She enjoyed gardening and her yard was always filled with flowers. Family Thanksgivings dinners and Christmas gatherings were always at Violets. One of her favorite hobbies was collecting Christmas village items. Many times she set up a giant Christmas village display that occupied close to 300 sq feet. She had a small “Waldo” figurine that she would hide, and the grandchildren would have to “find Waldo” when they came over. A favorite holiday activity.

Over the years Violet opened her home to other people who needed a place to reset and remove themselves from less than stellar situations. Her and Marvin were surrogate parents to them.

On Saturday, November 12, Violet was able to celebrate her 87th birthday with her family at Brighton Court. On Sunday her health took a sudden turn and Hospice care was started. On Wednesday, November 16th, Violet passed with her three children at her side.

She is preceded in death of her husband Marvin Gross, and both her parents Otto and Katheryn.

She is survived by her three children and their families. Terrance and Mary (Hersey) Gross, Ronald and Patti (Salle) Gross, and Linda (Gross) Dick and Brent Dick. She has nine grandchildren, and eleven great grandchildren.

Our gratitude goes to the staff at Brighton Court and Hospice of Spokane for their loving care of our mother. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Hospice of Spokane.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.HazenJaegerValley.com for the Gross family.