Viola Vivian Baum

Viola Vivian Baum was a woman of incredible faith, strength and love, possessing an uncommon work ethic, uncompromising morals, and unending generosity; traits she shared with all those around her. Vi was a devoted wife, a loving mother and a faithful servant of the Lord. Today her love and her faith live on in all who knew her. Viola's story began on a cool September day in 1921. Those were exciting times in this country, as America was still in celebration of its momentous victory in World War I, and beginning to rev up the Roaring Twenties. Prohibition was now in effect, with the 18th Amendment ratified just a year earlier. But with the passing of the 19th Amendment, granting Women's Suffrage, there was a renewed sense of hope and prosperity surrounding the nation in 1921, as America moved from the Industrial Age to a new, Progressive Era. In the beautiful lakeshore town of Muskegon, Michigan, William and Elizabeth (Royle) Simmons had their own reasons to celebrate, with the birth of a beautiful baby girl, a daughter they named Viola. Viola's father was a captain of the fire department on Jackson and Uba, while her mother was charged with running the home. Vi led a typically active childhood in Muskegon enjoying many past times such as walking up and down the porch on stilts (often giving her parents quite a scare), roller skating and baseball, both of which she enjoyed throughout life. As Vi grew up and made it out on her own, she took a job in a foundry until one day she met a handsome young man named Fred Baum (whose sister lived next door). The two hit it off, quickly fell in love, and were married on January 25,1943. Soon the newlyweds were blessed with three wonderful children, Bill, Fred and Judy. Vi', with her determination and deliberate independent spirit, quit her job to offer herself completely as a devoted, supportive and encouraging wife and mother. One of her children's favorite memories was of their mother lying down to take naps with them in the daytime when they were little. They also loved the many trips to the Farmer's Market they took with their mom. The holidays were an especially wonderful time around the Baum home, thanks mostly to Vi, who always made them terrific. She took care of all the details, large and small, to make sure everyone had fun. The family also enjoyed many wonderful outings and picnics together over the years, as well. As the children grew older and started school, Vi went back to work at Brookhaven as a nurse's aid. This was the perfect occupation for her loving and caring nature. During her 28 years there, she made many friends, both patients and co-workers. Vi took pride in her work, caring personally for each patient, never complaining about the long hours, weekends and holidays, before retiring in 1978. Vi was a woman who wanted everyone to know she loved them, and loved them equally. She encouraged everyone to get along and help one another out, ALWAYS leading by example. She was the consummate wife and mother, supporting and encouraging people, often times putting others first yet maintaining balance to ensure keeping priorities in order. After her husband's death in February of 1977, Vi became much more social, and enjoyed visiting with her friends, or spending such cherished time with her mother, visiting over lunch or breakfast. She also began to love visiting Lake Michigan. Of course, Vi's faith remained the biggest part of her life, as always. She attended the First Free Methodist Church, as well as evening services at the Bible Baptist Church in the wintertime. She also generously donated as much time and money to her church as she could, and often attended Rescue Mission functions, always encouraging others to join her. Vi spent a great deal of her time compassionately visiting the sick, elderly or shut-ins from her church and around the neighborhood, taking them meals or other items they needed. Vi was a Christian in the truest sense, and a woman of powerful morals and spirituality. She didn't go to movies or listen to music other than hymns, and was very careful of what she said or watched on TV, because this is what she felt was right and good and what she truly believed in. While she had high standards for herself, she never judged others, and was always quick to help those in need - especially her beloved family. Vi was such a loving mother and grandmother, always wanting to keep in touch, visit and worked hard to remember all 23 plus birthdays. Vi enjoyed helping out and enjoyed spending time with her grandkids yet was quick and never shy about threatening to "ship them on home," if they misbehaved or "kept it up" as she would say! For those lucky enough to know Vi, they knew of that wonderful fun-loving streak in her and have heard her talk about how she got quite a thrill out of riding on the back of her daughter's motorcycle and snowmobiling. She also loved to travel - provided she could be home in her own bed at night! Vi also enjoyed playing the piano and in fact taught herself to play and looked forward to learning how to play the guitar, too. Even during her sickest times within her final weeks, she jumped at the chance to play a piano/mandolin duet with her neighbor Deano, in such a hurry, she tripped over the piano bench and eagerly began suppressing shoes instead of the foot pedals! That was the kind of strength and courage she had, though. Those who knew Vi understand that she was a woman with amazing strength, character and courage. No matter what the challenge or burden she faced, she bore it without complaint. Even when her body was tiring, her faith remained strong enough to persevere over any obstacle. Sadly, Viola died on Thursday, August 10, 2006. She was a remarkable woman, of amazing strength and deliberate in her ways, always put others before herself, willing to give anything for those in need. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother and grandmother, and a true Christian woman who fought for and made the most of the life given to her,.... her faith remained strong in the Lord to her last breath. She gave us all so much in her lifetime, yet just knowing her was the greatest gift of all. She will be greatly missed. Mrs. Viola V. "Vi" Baum, age 84, died Thursday, August 10, 2006. She was born in Muskegon, MI on September 25, 1921 to William & Elizabeth (Royle) Simmons & married Fred Baum Sr. on January 24, 1943. SURVIVORS - 2 sons, Fred Baum Jr of Muskegon & William Baum of Muskegon; 1 daughter, Judy (Micheal) Goodwin of Muskegon; 11 grandchildren; 32 great grandchildren & 2 great great grandchildren; 2 sisters, Norma Oosting of Muskegon & Shirley (Robert) Garber of FL; 1 aunt, Sylvia Kuipers of Muskegon; several nieces & nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred; 3 brothers, Arnold, Edward & William & a sister, June Noordhof and many friends. SERVICE - Monday, August 14, 2006, 11:00 AM at the Clock Chapel with officiating. Interment at Lakeside Cemetery. VISITATION - Monday, one hour prior to the service at Clock Funeral Home. MEMORIAL: First Free Methodist Church. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.