Obituary: Gabrian, Viola D.

GABRIAN, Viola D. January 21, 1927- January 26, 2015 Viola was born in Russell, North Dakota to Fred and Edna Miller and later lived in Ballantine and Butte, Montana.

She was one of eight children: five sisters, Doris Mueller, Helen Borgan, Irene Buck, Betty Hansen, Eileen Zick and Carol Norsby and a brother, Raymond Miller.

Mother to five children: four sons, Francis (Frank), Fred and Forrest Melby and Robert Gabrian and a daughter, Sheryl Hollaman.

Moving from Butte in 1964 to Spokane, WA, Viola raised her four sons while working at J.C. Penny’s located in the Shadle Shopping Center.

Being community spirited, Viola helped with the startup of Cops N.E.

in the Hillyard district.

In 1975, Viola moved to the Emerald City Seattle where she worked for the Bon Marche in Northgate until retirement in 1987.

Then moving back to Spokane she purchased her home where she could enjoy her Golden years with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Having faith in Christ she was a long-time member of Messiah Lutheran Church and in retirement joined St. Peter Lutheran Church.

Viola is survived by daughter, Sheryl Hollaman; sons, Forrest Melby and Robert (Marci) Gabrian and Jacqueline Melby, wife of Fred Melby; thirteen grandchildren and many more great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Edna; sisters, Betty and Irene; brother, Raymond and Sons, Frank and Fred.

A Funeral Service will be held at St. Peter Lutheran Church on Saturday, February 7th at 2 pm with a reception to follow.

To view Viola’s online memorial, please visit www.hennesseyfuneralhomes.com.