Viola Koerner Crawford

VIOLA KOERNER CRAWFORD April 19, 1924 ~ October 20, 2016 "Viola is remembered and will be dearly missed by many of those who have been touched by her life." Viola "Vi" Dorothy Koerner Crawford was born on April 19, 1924 in Los Angeles, CA to Dorothy (Smith) and Harvey Koerner. Together with her brothers Harvey, Fred, and Bill and her sister Marian, she spent most of her growing up years in Bell and Los Angeles. Viola met her future husband Henry "Hank" Crawford through her brother Fred, as they were in the Navy together in Los Angeles. Viola and Henry were married April 15, 1942. They raised three children: Susan, James, and Charles, moving to Orange County in 1948, where the family grew up. Viola also worked as the secretary for the family cabinetry business with Hank. She was a loving and dedicated wife to Hank, and they celebrated 70 years together before his death in 2012. Upon Hank's retirement in 1975, they settled in Vancouver, WA, a place where they had visited cousins and vacationed over the years. In Vancouver, Viola became an active member of Vancouver Heights United Methodist Church, where many will remember her friendly, kind and generous ways. During her more active years, she gardened alongside her husband, preserved the produce, and cooked up meals for visiting family and friends. She enjoyed the family get-togethers for birthdays and holidays, and many will fondly recall her big enchilada dinners. Communicating with her large network of family and friends was one of her joys, through cards, photos, newsletters, e-mails, and later, keeping in touch through Facebook. Viola went to be with Our Lord and join her husband Henry on October 20, 2016. She is survived by her sister, Marian Hatch (Richard); her daughter, Susan Chamberlain; her sons, James Crawford and Charles Crawford; nine grandchildren; many great- grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., on Veteran's Day, November 11, 2016 at Vancouver Heights United Methodist Church, 5701 MacArthur Blvd., Vancouver, WA 98661. Please sign her guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.

Viola Koerner Crawford

April 19, 1924 - October 20, 2016