Viola Ruth Gebhardt, age 88 of Morris, IL passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 28th, 2025 at Serenity Estates, in Morris with her loving family by her side.

Born on November 21, 1936 in Braidwood,  Viola was the oldest child of George and Lucille (Lewis) Poppleton.  She grew up and was schooled in Mazon, graduating with the class of 1956. She then married Glenn Marvin Gebhardt at the Mazon Methodist Parsonage, on March 30th, 1957. They enjoyed 49 years of marriage until his passing on September 2nd, 2006.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, George "Dick" Poppleton, Ronald Poppleton, and Donald Poppleton;  one sister, Edith "Bun" (Lewis) Leach.

Surviving is her daughter, Susan (Charles) Hintze of Morris. Her loving grandchildren, Christina (Tony) Hintze-Symoniak, Lucas (Sarah) Hintze, and Micah (Taylor) Hintze; her two great-grandsons Cole and Garrett Hintze.

In her younger years, she worked for Grinchuk's Pants Factory, Braidwood. Viola's life profession was being a waitress for 40 plus years at the Feed Bag Restaurant in Mazon. Glenn and Viola operated the Feed Bag for several years, from 1974-1977.  Upon selling the business, she waitressed at the Coffee House in Dwight and returned to the Feed Bag until her husband took ill and she was needed at home to care for him.

Viola was a beloved and caring wife and mother who adored her grandchildren and great-grandsons.  She also enjoyed the time that she spent living at The Pointe in Morris, where she made many friends and enjoyed many activities, especially BINGO!!

Funeral services were private with interment followed at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetary, Elwood, IL where she was laid to rest with her late husband.

Memorial contributions in Viola's honor may be directed to lightwayshospice.org

The family would like to extend their deepest appreciation to Viola's caregivers from Lightways, Jen, Sarah, and Rikki, as well as Alyssa at Serenity, for the excellent care shown to her during her brief illness.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guestbook at www.ferrarifuneral.com

Ferrari Funeral Services of Coal City are entrusted with arrangements