Viola (Strong) Holt was born on September 11, 1934
Viola (Strong) Holt was born on September 11, 1934, in Gainesville, Missouri, to Elijah L. Strong and Louie Elizabeth (Latham) Strong. She was a lifelong resident of the area and grew up in Gainesville, where she learned the values of hard work, family, and faith that guided her throughout her life. On June 30, 1954, she was united in marriage to Joseph T. Holt in Ava, Missouri, and together they shared many years of companionship and commitment until his passing.
Throughout her life, Viola was a devoted wife and mother who placed her family at the center of everything she did. She cared deeply for those she loved and was always dedicated to hard work alongside Joe on the family farm in Protem.
Viola was also blessed with many talents and found joy in creating beautiful things. She was tremendous at crocheting, quilting and sewing and made many cherished items over the years.
Viola passed away on August 16, 2026 at Cox South Hospital in Springfield at the age of 91.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Elijah L. Strong and Louie Elizabeth (Latham) Strong; her husband, Joseph T. Holt; and her brother, Kella A. Strong. She is survived by her children, Jolene Braden of Taneyville and William E. Holt of Joplin; her sister-in-law, Ila (Anderson) Strong Pliler; her granddaughter, Tyla Payne; and her great-grandson, Elijah Payne along with her beloved extended family including several nieces and nephews.
Services for Viola will be on Monday, August 24, 2026. A time of visitation will begin at 1:00 pm in Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home and Crematory with graveside services following at 2:00 pm in Ozarks Memorial Park Cemetery, Branson and Pastor Jeramie Henson officiating.