Violet Marie Matt Hardy

B: May 22, 1932 D: October 15, 2008

Violet Marie Matt Hardy, 76 died October 15, 2008 at St. Luke Hospital in Ronan after a long battle with congestive heart failure. She was born in St. Ignatius on May 22, 1932 to Alfred and Catherine Dubay Matt. Early life began on the family farm near the Pablo Reservoir. She attended elementary school at Pablo Elementary, High School in Polson and Ronan. She met her future husband Richard in Denver in the spring of 1951. Richard was in the Air Force and was sent to North Africa in June, Vi went to nurse’s school in Bozeman. Upon Richard’s return from Africa they were married in Havre on August 6, 1954. This past August they celebrated 55 years of Marriage. She traveled a great deal with her husband during his 27 years in the military. They spent 3 ½ years in Japan, 3 years in Panama and 3 ½ years in Germany, as were numerous duty stations in the United States. 14 trips to Hawaii were always favorite, especially during the cold winter in Montana months. Three children were born from this marriage, Linda in Tampa, Florida, Ron in Tachikawa, Japan and Calvin in Glendale Arizona. She was and enrolled member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and was a member of the Pablo Christian Church. Her parents and 3 sisters, Eva Case, Hazel Keniston, and Rosemary Leverton and 3 brothers Carl, John and Elvin preceded her in death. She is surivived by her husband Dick of Pablo, Daughter Linda and her son Russell of Ronan, son Ronald (Robin), their children Ryan, Roslyn, and Rachel of Pablo, son Calvin (Corena) and their children Cory and Collin of Ronan, as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Also her favorite pet cat “Tabasco”. Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 19, 2008 from 3 pm to 7 pm in the Grogan Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 20, 2008 in the Pablo Christian Church at 10:30 am with Rev. Mike Johnston officiating. Interment will follow at Lakeview Cemetery. Memorials in Violet’s name may be made to the donor’s choice. Condolences to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com.

10.26.2008
Stevensville, MI
My heart goes out to all of you. Aunt Vi will be truly missed. Eventhough I didn't see you all very much, I still remember Aunt Vi as a strong woman yet gentle and loving. She was someone who posessed the strength for maintaining a busy household. All of us are fortunate for having her touch our lives. My love to Uncle Dick, Linda, Ron, and Calvin, who's lives will be forever changed with the loss of your most-loved wife and mother. I love all of you dearly, and I will be praying for the peace of Christ to help heal your hearts. Love, Gus, Tammy, Amber, Krystal & Brandon

10/29/08
 
 

10/29/08
Ponca City, OK.
As I sat down to read my home town paper, I was shocked to read of the death of my dear and precious friend Violet Marie( Matt Hardy) known to us as Vi. The immediate thoughts came to me of the last time I saw her at our 50th H.S. Class Reunion at Ronan Montana, at which time she shared with us about her pictures of her wonderful children and grandchildren that she proudly carried with her. I know she was present for Heaven’s roll call on October 15, 2008. All those who knew her would say her life was a testimony to her faith Our friendship began in Pablo Mt. First grade (no kindergarten), then we went to Ronan when the county changed the bus route. The fire drill was welcome!! As a chance to slide through the big tube to the ground below. Education, new challenges came and went as our friendship became deeper Our loss leaves a hole in our lives. I just believe she is telling all the angels in heaven about her journey down here With Love Marlyn Cooper Ronan P.S. my married name is not a misprint, I always wanted to be miss Ronan at H.S. and never got the opportunity so I settle for Mrs. Ronan