Viola Reeder

Viola Reeder passed away on November 15, 2018, at age 96, from complications of a hip fracture. Viola Marie Richardson was born on March 23, 1922, in Chicago Illinois. Her father was a patent attorney and inventor, and her mother a homemaker. She graduated from college with a degree in chemistry, and worked briefly as a chemist. Subsequently, she attended Northwestern University Medical School where she met her husband Paul Reeder. They had 3 children. She practiced ophthalmology in Chicago until the family moved to Decatur, Illinois in the 1950’s. After her children went to college, she returned to practice in Decatur for a number of years. Viola had a wide range of interests including history, philosophy, literature, music, and nature. Even in her later years she could amaze her children with her recall of historical events and authors. She was an accomplished pianist. She continued to play the piano daily, and had learned several new pieces in the last months of her life. She played contract bridge and a month before her death she won the bridge game she hosted at her own home, where she lived independently until her recent illness. She loved bird watching and animals, and especially the companionship of small dogs. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She is survived by her children Guy (Michelle), Rich (Candace) and Craig (Heidi) Reeder and nieces Lynn Schuerrel (Joe) and Dorah Johnson (John), four grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. The family wishes to thank the physicians and caregivers who cared for her during her recent illness. They thank Libby Bundy for her many years of devoted service. They also wish to recognize with utmost gratitude her neighbors Tom and Jean Ellison and family, whose steadfast friendship and concern allowed her to remain independent in her own home throughout her later years of life. There is no visitation. There will be a private graveside service at a later date.