Violet Marie Whitmore Stahl

Violet Marie Stahl, age 90, of North Star, died Thursday, September 1, 2011, at Gratiot Medical Center.

Violet was born in Illinois, the daughter of Harry and Anna Sparks. At a young age, her family moved to North Star. Her elementary education was at the North Star Schoolhouse and, excelling in academics, she skipped several grades and graduated from Ithaca High School early. 

She married Dale Whitmore on November 20, 1940. Together, they raised and showed horses on the family farm. Dale preceded her in death in 1964. Violet kept the farm going in the early years of the Whitmore Dairy, managing, milking, raising two sons, and all bookkeeping; and continued to do so until her passing. Violet was the heart of the farm and family. She married Arlo Stahl in 1966, and he preceded her in death in 1991. 

Violet is survived by her sons, Gary (Shirley) Whitmore and Rod (Brenda) Whitmore; her grandchildren, Dale, Jody, John, Amy, Julie, Kimberly, and Terri; her great-grandchildren, Alissa, Karlee, Thad, Kenzey, Reese, Hayden, and Jaxson; and her cats, Daisy and Ladybug.

She enjoyed square dancing, going out for dinners, visiting with her loved ones and taking care of the animals.

Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m. Monday, September 5, 2011, at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca, with Pastor Dave Perry officiating. Interment will follow in North Star Cemetery. Visitation will be 2-8 p.m. Sunday, September 4. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ithaca Senior Activity building or to Gratiot Commission on Aging.