Viola Keeton, age 101, of Wessington Springs, died Sunday, June 21, 2026, at Weskota Manor. Memorial visitation will be 1-3 PM, Saturday, June 27, 2026, at the Wessington Springs Senior Center with a celebration of her life at 3. Casual attire is requested.
Viola Walker was born on June 12, 1925, to Jacob and Anna (Koerner) Walker. On October 1, 1948, she was married to Donald Eugene Keeton. To this union, three children were born; Larry, Lou Ann, and Leola. Viola had a good sense of humor but also spoke her mind. She loved watching NBA basketball, staying up late to watch her favorite teams including the Golden State Warriors and L.A. Lakers. Viola and Don loved caring for their family pets; Itsy, Bo, Gizmo, and Coal. They also loved their trips to the casino.
Viola worked many jobs but will be remembered most for waitressing at the Silver Spur Cafe, Baking at Jack and Jill Bakery, cooking at Fenske Hunting Lodge, Teveldal Hunting Lodge, and her volunteer work at the Springs Consignment Store until Covid. She was an avid bowler and actually placed 1st in the singles in the ladies state tournament in Sioux Falls in 1963.
Viola and Don spent many hours in the bleachers and driving many miles to attend their grandkids’ sporting events. They had their own personal parking sign in right field at the baseball field while watching the Owls. Viola was a great mother, grandmother, greatgrandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She will be remembered for being an energizer bunny. You could usually find her outside mowing her lawn, cutting branches with a little saw or scissors, or just sitting on her porch in the sunshine with her umbrella or hat on. She loved to sew, crochet, cook and bake.
Viola lived a long and happy life up to almost her 101st birthday still in her own home. She then declined and resided in Weskota Manor until her passing.
Viola is survived by her sonLarry(Patricia)Keeton, her daughter Lou Ann Fischer; grandchildren, Mark Keeton, Kelly Charron, Michael (Daniel) Keeton, Lee Fischer, Brian Fischer, and Jay Fischer; 11 great-grandchildren; and many that considered her grandma “no no”; one sister, Mary Lou Cameron; and one brother, Paul Walker.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her mother-in-law and fatherin- law; 4 siblings; her infant daughter Leola; and many extended family and friends.
Arrangements are with Nurnberg-Basham Funeral Service.