Violet I. Neely, 86, Shippenville, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, Dec. 19, 2014. She died at Clarion Hospital following a brief illness.
Born Dec. 6, 1928, in Salem Township, she was the daughter of Roy A. and Lydia Goughler Cotherman.
She was married Oct. 20, 1945, to Robert G. Neely, who preceded her in death June 26, 2003.
They had four children: Robert G. Neely II and his wife, Cindy Jo, of Knox; Denis A. Neely and his wife, Jennifer Lynn, of Shippenville; Cynthia A. DeLarme and husband, Clair, of Reynoldsville; and Deborah E. Keister and husband, Jayson, of Shippenville, with whom she resided.
Along with her children,Violet is survived by her grandchildren: Jason Neely, Andrea and Jeff Courson, Casey and Meagan Neely, Cody Neely, Elizabeth and Emily DeLarme, and Jacob and Rebekah Keister; and three great-grandchildren: Alyssa Courson, Makenden Courson and Madison DeLarme.
Violet was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; three sisters: Mary Cotherman, Martha Hammond and Edith Glancy; and a brother, Charley Cotherman.
Mrs. Neely was an active member of the Bethany E.C. Church since 1951. She was a general conference delegate and the first woman to be a Sunday school superintendent at Bethany. She served as the church treasurer for more than 25 years.
She was a charter member of the Dehart-Rossman-Wenner American Legion Auxiliary Unit 997 of Lamartine for 60 years, serving as president and all of the offices of the unit, council president, bi-county council secretary and chaplain for two years. She was an active member of the Richland Grange and Wentlings Corners Senior Citizens.
After being a stay-at-home mom to raise her children, she served as Beaver Township auditor for eight years and began working at Clarion Hospital in the business office, retiring after 20 years of service.
Violet enjoyed helping people and was willing to help when the need arose. She enjoyed her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, quilting, growing flowers and was an avid reader.
Funeral services were held today (Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2014) at the Bethany E.C. Church, 721 Crossroads Church Drive, Emlenton with Pastor Chris Lewis officiating. Interment was in Starr Cemetery.
The family suggests memorial donations be made to Bethany E.C. Church, 96 Overlook Road, Knox 16232; or The Knox Area Ambulance Co., P.O. Box 636, Knox 16232.
Friends can also email condolences by visiting www.mcentire-weaverfuneralhome.com.
The McEntire-Weaver Funeral Home, 504 East Penn Ave., Knox, was in charge of arrangements.

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