Viola Lorraine Eckhart died in her home, surrounded by her family on February 23, 2015 after a brave and valiant fight with cancer. She was 88 years old. Viola was born on September 9,1926 in Winner, South Dakota to Albert and Nettie Eckroth along with her twin sister, Violet, whom died at a very young age. Viola also had three other siblings; Grace (Hollenbeck), Melville, and Alvin (a.k.a. Sunny). She married her first husband, Robert Nelson Gardner (1924-1961) on June 9, 1944 and had 5 children; Roberta, Albert, Dolla Jean, Robert and Lynn. She married Francis Eckhart on September 27, 1969 and added two step sons, Ronnie and Randy Eckhart; and another daughter, Jenni to the family. Viola was a very loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother with a great sense of humor and wit that will be dearly missed. She loved to take fishing trips with her children and grandchildren, and those memories will always be cherished. Viola is survived by her husband Francis, her 6 children; Roberta (Jim) Gowin, Albert Gardner, Dolla Jean (Chuck) Allison, Robert (Reana) Gardner, Lynn (Jim) Cahoon, Jenni (Bill) Carpenter; a stepson Ron (Rose) Eckhart, 28 grandchildren, 44 great grandchildren and 1 great great grand child. She is preceded in death by her parents Albert and Nettie Eckroth, her siblings Grace, Melville, Alvin and Violet; her first husband, Robert Nelson Gardner; and her stepson, Randy Eckhart. A viewing and visitation will be held from 12:00 to 2:00 P.M. Friday February 27, 2015 with a celebreation of life service to follow at 2:00 P.M. at the Nampa Funeral Home, Yraguen Chapel, burial to follow at the Kohlerlawn Cemetery in Nampa. An online guestbook is available at www.nampafuneralhome.com In lieu of flowers donations can be made the Mountain States Tumor Institute, 190 E. Bannock Boise, Id 83712.

Service Information Visitation Friday February 27, 2015 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM Nampa Funeral Home Yraguen Chapel 415 12th Ave South Nampa, ID 83651 Funeral Service Friday February 27, 2015 2:00 PM Nampa Funeral Home Yraguen Chapel 415 12th Ave South Nampa, ID 83651