Violet Pleake

   Violet Smith Pleake, daughter of Roy Sr. and Julia (Barton) Smith, was born January 14, 1937, in Gardner, New York. She graduated from Andrew Jackson Senior High School in Jacksonville, Florida with the Class of 1954. Violet then attended Iowa Western Community College in Council Bluffs, Iowa, Bellevue College in Bellevue, Nebraska and then the University of New Hampshire in Durham, New Hampshire.

   On July 15, 1955, Violet was united in marriage with Richard Robinson Jr. at Kingsland, Georgia. Four kids were born to this union. During this time, Violet worked in banking. The couple later divorced.

   When Violet made her home in Omaha, Nebraska, she worked in the food, beverage and gift departments at Eppley Airfield. From 1987 to 2002, she operated “Miss Vi’s Daycare and Preschool” in her home near Lake Manawa in Council Bluffs.

   On November 7, 2002, Violet was blessed with a second marriage, this time with Kenneth Pleake in Harlan. They made their home northeast of Irwin where she enjoyed being active in the community. Violet was a member of the Irwin United Methodist Church and served with the UMW, on the Nominated Committee and as Financial Secretary. She volunteered with the Lied Irwin Public Library and enjoyed being a member of the Craft Club and Jefferson Club.

   Violet suffered a stroke about 10 years ago, but remained strong until her health began to decline in 2021. On Sunday, September 25, 2023, Violet passed away at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska at the age of 86 years, 8 months and 10 days.

   Violet is survived by her husband Kenneth Pleake of Irwin; a son Thomas Robinson and wife Kathy of Florida; step daughters: Sherry Christiansen of Minneapolis, Minnesota; Michele McCracken of Houston, Texas; a stepson Kenneth Pleake of Huxley, Iowa; a brother Asa Smith of Florida; and by several grandchildren and step grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter Kathy Moss; sons Kenneth and Michael Robinson; a brother Roy Smith Jr.; and three sisters: Bessie Stafford, Helen Naylor and Shirley Thompson.

The Funeral Service for Violet Pleake was held on Saturday, September 30, 2023 at 2:30 p.m. at the United Methodist Church, Irwin, Iowa with Pastor Sue Thomas, Officiating.

Casket Bearers were Jeff Keller, Colby Keller, Connor Keller, Caden Keller, Ethan Carter and Liam Carter.

Congregational Hymns ~“How Great Thou Art”, “Just As I Am”, “I Don’t Have A Home In This World Anymore”, Shelly Christensen, Pianist.

Place of Rest ~ Oak Hill Cemetery, Irwin, Iowa.