Viola Leitheiser

Viola A. Leitheiser, age 85, of West Fargo, ND, lost her courageous battle with stomach cancer and heart failure on  Thursday, July 9, 2020 at Bethany on 42nd Nursing Home in Fargo, ND.

Viola Alice Motis was born August 15, 1934 in Lidgerwood, ND, the daughter of Frank and Esther (Peterson) Motis.   She attended country school in Antelope Township near Barney, ND. 

Viola grow up in the Barney area and had lived in Brushvale, MN, Cogswell, ND, Lisbon, ND and Fargo before settling in West Fargo, ND where she resided for over 45 years.

As a young woman, Viola worked at the Soldiers Home in Lisbon, ND.  After she met her late husband, they moved to the Fargo area where Viola worked for many years as a housekeeper in several hotels. 

After Viola retired from "cleaning up after others," she spent several years working as a "grandmotherly caregiver" for two very special kids, Dusty and his little sister, Katie. Viola  immensely enjoyed being part of their lives and watching them grow up.  Viola continued to keep busy and worked for the Dakota Boys Ranch Thrift Store before permanently retiring in her mid-60's.

Viola enjoyed gardening, raising flowers, and tending to her houseplants.  She liked to visit with friends and family, take road trips, and go fishing with her husband and daughter. After retiring, going to the casino in Hankinson, ND became Viola's favorite activity.

Viola is survived by her daughter, Debbie M. Leitheiser (Rod Huff), Robinsonville, Mississippi; a step-daughter Debra M. Atwood, Centralia, Washington; three sisters: Betty Wagner, Blaine, MN; Mae Aasen, Underwood, MN; Jeanette Motis, Buffalo, MN; her brother, James (Josephine) Motis, Breckenridge, MN; five step-grandchildren, one step-great-granddaughter, several nieces, nephews and cousins.  

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph F. Leitheiser, her parents, brothers Bennie and Dennis, and brothers-in-law Ronnie Wagner and Bert Aasen.

The family expresses their sincere gratitude to Viola's neighbors/friends, especially Mark & Becky Akers, Butch Love, Dave Olson, and Lee Kurle for all of their never-ending help and support that made it possible for Viola to stay in her home until her health declined last winter.

Funeral Service:    10:30 am Tuesday, July 14, 2020 in West Funeral Home Chapel, West Fargo, with Visitation held one hour prior to her service.

Due to the seriousness of COVID-19, the Family is respectfully requesting the use of face masks by anyone in attendance.

Burial:   Oak Grove Cemetery, Detroit Lake, MN

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

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