Viola Kieffer

Viola Kieffer, age 73, of  New Philadelphia, Ohio, and a former rural Sherrodsville resident, died Wednesday morning, April 26, 2023 in the Community Hospice Truman House at New Philadelphia.

She was born May 10, 1949 in Bowerston, Ohio and was the daughter of the late Harry Wayne and Emma Grace (Dellinger) Abel.  Her husband, Ralph Edward Kieffer, whom she married May 9, 1997, passed away on February 17, 2018.  In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by  two brothers, Robert and Michael Abel,  and a sister, Yvonne Anno.

Although she was primarily a homemaker, she was employed as a cook at the Sunnyslope Nursing Home in Bowerston for about 10 years.  Viola loved to spend time engaging in yard maintenance and tending to her flower gardens around her home on the family farm.  She was fond of participating in BINGO games with her sister Penny.  Her true joy, however, came from the days that she spent in the company of her family.  A loving mother, grandmother, and sister, she will be missed by her family and friends. 

She is survived by three sons, Rick (Sherry) Byrd of Etowah, Tennessee, Tim (Diane) Byrd of Dover, OH, and Tom (Ashley) Byrd Jr. of Gnadenhutten, OH, a daughter, Mrs. Tammy (Chad) Hodkinson of  Tuscarawas OH, a daughter-in-law, Amanda Byrd of Strasburg, OH, a brother, George Abel and a sister, Penny Fluharty, both of Cadiz, OH, and 11 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

At Viola's request, no formal funeral services are planned.  The Baxter-Gardner Funeral Home in Sherrodsville is handling arrangements. In response to the compassionate care she received by the Truman House Staff,  contributions in Viola's memory may be made to Community Hospice, 716 Commercial Avenue S.W., New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663. To leave an online condolence message please visit the funeral home website.

Baxter-Gardner
(740) 269-9225
www.baxtergardner.com

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