Violet Louise Barnard, nee Bryan, age 88, of New Athens, Ill., formerly of O'Fallon, died peacefully August 30, 2018 after a brief illness

She was born July 25, 1930 in Centralia, Ill., the daughter of Arthur and Faris Bryan. On June 15, 1949 she married her sweetheart, Lester Barnard, and shared a wonderful life together for 68 years.

Violet devoted herself to her family and volunteered for many years helping others through the Hospital Ladies Auxiliary at St. Elizabeth's Hospital. She cherished spending time with family and friends; loved camping, boating, and gathering shells at the beach. Violet was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it, and everyone knew a call or a smile from Vi would brighten their day.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Lester Barnard; parents Arthur and Faris Bryan; her parents-in-law Normie and Esther Barnard; grandson-in-law Jeremy Birch, and brother-in-law Roger Johnson.

Surviving are her son Michael (Debora) Barnard of Lenzburg, Ill.; her grandchildren Nichole (Scott) Long and Shanna Barnard; her great-grandchildren, Carter and Sabrina Long, and Koi and Kegan Birch-Barnard; her sister-in-law Arlene Johnson and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Knowing how dementia and cancer affect so many families, Vi would appreciate memorial donations to the Alzheimer's Association or to American Cancer Society.

Funeral:  A graveside gathering will be held at 1:15 p.m., Wednesday, September 5, 2018, at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Mo.