Horsman, Viola Ruby

Viola Ruby Horsman, 85, of Pleasantville, Iowa, was born July 31, 1926, and passed away peacefully at home on Sept. 10, 2011.

Viola was the daughter of Roy Reeves and F. Bernadine Sevey. Her father died when Viola was young and her mother later married Logan Conn. Logan loved her as his own. Viola and her parents moved from Des Moines to Pleasantville in 1938 and she remained there for the rest of her life.

On Aug. 1, 1945, she married the love of her life, Joseph Horsman. Joseph and Viola recently celebrated their 66th anniversary together. They were blessed with two daughters, Jacquie (Jim) Hodgson of Vinton and Pam (Tom) Mohr of Pleasantville. Their quiet lives later erupted with the birth of their son, Rodney (Brenda) Horsman, of Pleasantville, who kept them entertained for the rest of their lives. Ten grandchildren eventually followed with the first grandchild, Marijke Joy Hodgson, being born on Viola's 46th birthday.

Viola and Joseph loved to dance, play cards with friends, and enjoyed Big Band music. Viola's husband and family were the joy of her life. She loved being a stay-at-home mother. She loved to cook and she loved people. Viola maintained a lifetime ministry of sending cards and letters to friends and family alike.

Viola is survived by her husband, children, 10 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Sept. 14 at Mason Funeral Home in Pleasantville.

For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Pella.

Online condolences may be left at

Published Sept. 18, 2011, in The Gazette