Violet Stark Whelan

November 3, 1932 - July 1, 2020

Violet Stark (Hofer) Whelan of Salem, Missouri passed away Wednesday, July 1, 2020 at Phelps Health at the age of 87. Violet was born in Dent County, Missouri on November 3, 1932 to the late Bob and Rosa (Miner) Stark. Violet was whole heartedly independent and a self-sufficient mother and caretaker and was no stranger to hard work. She diligently toiled in the shoe factory during the school year, but would quit during the summer months to tend to her garden that could overflow Walmart's produce section. Violet’s green thumb did not cease at vegetables, as she kept an immaculate yard and flower garden. But you were wary to ever ask about it, as it usually resulted in manual labor on your part. As the matriarch, she ran a tight ship at home. You always knew where you stood and no one would ever accuse Violet of beating around the bush with her delivery. Her housekeeping skills could most accurately be summarized as you could eat off her floors. And you would want to, as Violet was an excellent cook. A true testament to her skills as head chef was her husband’s waist size. She started cooking and baking at the age of 9 and as an adult, her table never went without 3 square meals daily. Whether it was her cocoa gravy, fried frog legs, or green beans, all recipes were fit for a spread in Southern Living magazine. Her sense of fashion most closely rivaled that of Nancy Reagan's and she wore it well. Violet cherished Christmas time with her family around the large dining table. Only the luckiest were chosen to sit next to her, as they were tasked with the responsibility of reminding her to eat when she started sharing stories. Above all, Violet took pride in her family and incessantly prayed for the health and well-being of her children and grandchildren. She had a tender touch and a patient demeanor that her grandchildren would relish in, as evidenced by the multitude of hugs and forehead kisses at every greeting and goodbye. Even in her weakest state, she was able to express the love she felt. She will be sorely missed by all that knew and loved her. Violet is survived by her children Diana Foti, and partner David Lawanas, of O'Fallon, MO, Rhea Pitts and husband Don, of St. James, MO, Greg Crocker and wife Janice, of Wentzville, MO, and Jeanie Hofer, of Rolla, MO; sister, Francis Whitt, of CA; grandchildren, Christine Mason (Shane), Cory Foti (Pamela), Shane Lunsford (Brandi), DeNiel Gillen (Anthony), Jamie Rydlund, Rachael Crocker, Jessica Crocker, Emily Smallwood, and Jacob Smallwood; a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. In addition to her parents Bob and Rosa Stark, Violet was preceded in death by her husband, Tom Whelan; former husband, Herbert Hofer; sisters, Helen Stark, and Bernice Wofford; brothers, Bill Stark, and Lloyd Wofford. Funeral services will be at 1:00PM , Friday, July 3, 2020 at the Salem Chapel of the James & Gahr Mortuary with Anthony Gillen officiating. Internment will be at Cedar Grove Cemetery in Salem, Missouri. Visitation for family and friends will be held at the Chapel prior to the service on Friday, from 11AM until service time at 1PM. For online condolences please visit www.jamesgahrmortuary.com