Violet Jackson, 80

Violet May Bailey Jackson, 80, of Mountain Home, died of cancer July 6, 2005, at a care center in Mountain Home.

Funeral services were held Monday, July 11, at Summers Funeral Homes, McMurtrey Chapel. Burial followed at Mountain View Cemetery.

Violet was born Sept. 30, 1924, in College Place, Wash., the daughter of William Albert Bailey and May Esther Smith Bailey. She spent her first years in a log cabin at Weston Mountain in Washington.

She later lived at Basket Mountain, Gardenia, and Dixie, Wash. As a child she loved to ride her horse and cross country ski. Her family moved to Walla Walla, Wash., where Violet graduated from high school.

After graduation Violet worked as a telephone operator in Walla Walla and at Hanford, a part of the Manhattan Project during World War II.

She met Earl Bernard Jackson when he was a pilot stationed at Walla Walla's army airbase. They fell in love and were married Sept. 30, 1945.

After the war, Violet and Earl moved to southern California, where she worked as a bank teller. She gave birth to three daughters, Karen Jackson Cron (John), Linda Jackson Rowan (Barry), and Barbara Jackson Harrison (John).

In 1966 the family moved to Caldwell. Violet enjoyed being a homemaker and supportive wife. She later assisted Earl in their fishing-lure business. After Earl's retirement, they lived in Pine/Featherville and Mountain Home.

Violet loved to entertain and make new friends. She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi, Lady Lions, bridge clubs, president of a ladies' golf club, leader of a Girl Scout troop, and attended women's church groups and Bible Study Fellowship.

In the last year of her life, "clothed in strength and dignity, she embraced her unexpected battle with cancer," her family said. "In her struggle, she was always quick to encourage others with a smile. Those around her were inspired by her courage, faith, and perseverance.

"Violet was a sweet, wonderful woman who loved to sit and chat with anyone and everyone. Though we know she has gone to be with our loving God, we will miss her very much," her family said.

Violet is survived by: Earl, her husband of 60 years, her three daughters, and eight grandsons.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, Bible Study Fellowship, or to a charity of choice in care of Summers Funeral Home, McMurtrey Chapel, 500 N. 18th East St., Mountain Home, ID 83647.