Viola Ascanio's Obituary
CHEROKEE, KS – Viola Ascanio, 97 of Cherokee, died 9:10 am, Wednesday, September 14, 2016 at Medicalodge of Pittsburg, KS.
She was born January 19, 1919 in Coalton, Oklahoma the daughter of Jacob and Mary Laurent Theyssen. Viola Attended grade school at Skidmore, Kansas and graduated from Columbus High School.
After graduation Viola worked at Lonzo’s Grocery Store in Skidmore, Kansas. She married John Ascanio Sr. on July 2, 1938 at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church in Scammon, KS. He preceded her in death on May 26, 2002.
After moving to Cherokee, KS Viola and John opened the Royal Food Market, later named Ascanio’s IGA. Viola worked in the family business until retirement in 1988.
Viola was a member of the St. Anastasia’s Catholic Church in Cherokee, when it closed she became a member of St. Bridget’s Catholic Church in Scammon. She was a member of the St. Bridget’s Altar society, the Ladies Auxiliary and also the Cherokee Ruritan Club.
She enjoyed travel, fishing and family gatherings.
Survivors include two sons John Ascanio Jr. and his wife Rosemari of Cherokee, Gary Joseph Ascanio of Overland Park Kansas. Two grandsons Greg Ascanio and wife Lori and Bryan Ascanio of Cherokee, five great grandchildren Guido Ascanio, Angelo Ascanio, Rambo Ascanio, Tonya Ruddick and husband Chubbs, and Surgio Ascanio, five great- great grandchildren Hunter Ascanio, Skyler Ascanio, Isabella Ascanio, Milo Jo Ascanio and Alivia Ascanio.
She was preceded in death by her husband John Ascanio Sr., by her parents, two sisters, Mary Louise Langerot and Grace Deboutez, both of Skidmore, KS and one brother Clay Theyssen of Overland Park, KS.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 am, Monday, September 19, 2016, at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church in Scammon, KS with Father Chrysostom Ah Maung as celebrant. Burial will be in the Hosey Hill Cemetery in Weir, KS. The parish rosary will be recited at 6 pm Sunday, September 18, 2016 at the Bath-Naylor Funeral Home, 103 W. Main St., in Weir, KS. Friends may call anytime after 2 pm, Sunday at the funeral home. A dinner for family and friends will be served at the St. Bridget’s Parish Hall following services on Monday. A memorial has been established to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Cherokee Ruritan Club in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be left at our web site www.bathnaylor.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Viola?
What’s a lesson you learned from Viola?
Share a story where Viola's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Viola you’ll never forget.
How did Viola make you smile?
