Violet Marie Johnson Wellander, 93, went home to be with the Lord early Sunday morning, September 28th. Her last few hours here were graciously and peacefully spent at her beloved place of residence, Vintage Sonoma.
Of Swedish heritage and mid-west stock, Violet was born November 10, 1920 in DeKalb, Illinois to Oscar and Ida Johnson. Baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church, Violet attended local public schools, graduating from DeKalb Township High School in 1938. She was active in her church, including Luther League, Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, and Altar Guild and taught Sunday school.
In 1950, Violet married Wesley Wellander of Sycamore, Illinois at her parental DeKalb home. Shortly thereafter, the newlyweds headed west to California where they established their home and raised a family in Turlock; their place of residency for the next fifty years.
Prior to her last six years in Sonoma, as a resident of Vintage Sonoma and a much loved member of Faith Lutheran Church, Violet enjoyed eight years of time in Yuba City, close to her daughter, Carol and her family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Willard, her sister Irene, and her husband of 56 years, Wesley. She is survived by her children Carol Whitmore (Dale) of Marysville, CA and Ron Wellander (Luanne) of Sonoma, six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held at Duggan’s Mission Chapel (707.996.3655), 525 West Napa Street, Sonoma on Friday, October 10th between 10:00am and 2:00 PM. A “Celebration of Life” service and reception will be held at Vintage Sonoma (707.996.1500), 91 Napa Road, Sonoma on Friday, October 10th at 3:00 PM. A grave side service open to all, will be held the following day, Saturday, October 11th at 1:00 PM at Turlock Memorial Park (209.632.0111), 425 North Soderquist Road, Turlock preceded by a visitation opportunity between 10:00 AM and noon. A reception, following the graveside service, will be held at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Turlock. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to: Young Life of Sonoma Valley 227 Bettencourt Street, Sonoma, CA 95476-6910 or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
