Violet Mae Sell
We gather together to remember and celebrate the life of Violet Mae Sell, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, who left this world on August 2, 2026 when God welcomed her into eternal rest. She was received by the loving arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, as well as family and friends who have gone before her. Her life, though not without its challenges, was filled with love, service, and a deep devotion to those around her.
Born to Andy and Myrtle Campbell in the 1930s near Salem, Arkansas, Violet was the only daughter, the third of four children. Her early years were spent in the shadow of the Great Depression. Her parents worked tirelessly to provide for their children. When she was just four years old, the family moved to Ava, Missouri, where they began a new chapter. As the nation was still recovering, her father took various jobs and their family remained resilient.
It was in Ava where Violet first met the love of her life. She was about 12 years old, spending time at the gas station and tire repair shop where her dad worked. There she caught the eye of a boy who was working shining shoes at the barbershop next door. He was small for his age, about four inches shorter than her. As the years passed, their connection grew. She was a good skater and helped him up when he stumbled as he learned to skate. Their friendship blossomed into something more, and soon she and Bobby Joe were sitting together at the local drugstore and occasionally at the movies.
After Bob graduated high school, he served in the Navy. Violet graduated from high school and later attended college. They were married when he returned from serving in the Navy. This began a union that would last 69 years. Together, they created a life full of love and devotion to each other that remained steadfast throughout their years.
Violet stayed connected to her roots, regularly meeting with classmates from Ava for 70 years after graduation, and returning for Bolivar alumni homecomings year after year. Her journey with Bob took them from Ava, to Springfield, Exeter, Forsyth, and Ozark, Missouri. All these were places they raised their family and made lifelong friends.
Violet was an incredibly hard worker, and her life was filled with many jobs. After high school, she worked in a restaurant, learning to serve others with a smile no matter her own feelings. She learned to hold high standards when she worked in quality control at a dairy/cheese plant. When her daughters were young, she babysat for others so she could stay at home with her girls. She worked at a title company, the county license bureau, the school cafeteria, a grocery store, a clothing manufacturing plant, and even a shoe parts plant where she became the plant manager. Later, she worked at the pharmacy and dabbled in real estate. Through all of this, she maintained her dedication to her family, church, and community, giving her time and energy to those she loved.
She and her husband also took on the care of both their mothers in their final years, an act of love and commitment that reflected the depth of Violet's character and faith.
A long-time and faithful member of several churches, Violet cherished her relationship with God. She attended Baptist churches throughout her life, and for 56 years, she was a devoted member of First Baptist congregation of Forsyth. In recent years, she enjoyed church services at the Baptist Home of Ozark, where she spent her final years. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life, and she made lasting friendships through her church and community involvement.
Violet brought joy to others through making cakes. She made many beautiful, professional cakes. Her love of music was infectious, especially when it came to gospel singalongs. Violet had a special gift for entertaining others with her unique songs showing off her sense of humor. Some of her favorite songs included the whimsical "Sweet Violets," the "Rooster Song," and "Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka-Dot Bikini," all of which she would sing with a twinkle in her eye and a smile on her face. Her ability to bring joy to others through her music was one of the many ways she brightened the lives of those around her.
Violet is survived by her loving husband, Bob, three daughters, 12 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, as well her sister-in-law, six nieces, and a nephew. The legacy of her love, faith, and service will continue to live on through those she loved.
Today, we celebrate the life of Violet, a woman who taught us all the importance of family, faith, and service. Her forgiving spirit, generosity, service, warmth, kindness, and unwavering love will not soon be forgotten, and we take comfort in knowing she is now at peace, surrounded by the many loved ones who preceded her.
Rest in peace, Violet. You are in our hearts, and we will continue to honor your memory with the love and care you so generously shared with all of us.
Celebration of Life will be Friday, August 7, 2026, 11AM, at First Baptist Church, Forsyth Missouri, officiated by Pastor Steve Young. Visitation beforehand from 10AM-11AM, burial will follow directly afterwards at Ava Cemetery, Ava, Missouri. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to; First Baptist Church, Forsyth, Missouri; Bridge of Faith Community Church, Rockaway Beach, Missouri; The Gideons International.