Violet Elizabeth was born July 27, 1925, in Warroad, Minnesota to Clinton Everett "Everett" and Edith Elizabeth (nee Oliver) Battles. She graduated from the high school in Crookston, Minnesota in 1943 and then worked at Wing's department store in Warroad. On July 12, 1944, Violet married Vernon Thompson of Wadena, Minnesota. Vernon and Violet lived in several small towns in Minnesota and North Dakota before settling in Marshall, Minnesota, in 1956. They lived in Marshall until Vernon's retirement in 1983. Violet and Vernon retired to Yuma, Arizona, keeping a summer home in Warroad. They were married 54 years before Vernon's passing in 1998. In 2007, Violet moved her winter home to Cumming, Georgia.

Violet had a strong passion for life and family nourished by her faith in Jesus Christ. Violet was a homemaker who raised eight children and was active in leading Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Job's Daughters and Bible studies and would offer love and support for many others. She was loved and respected by all who knew her.

Violet enjoyed traveling, camping, riding on her ATV, visiting her many children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Violet was steadfast in her Christian faith and put Jesus first in all aspects of her life.

Violet passed away surrounded by her family on August 8, 2013 at the NE Atlanta Health & Rehab Center in Atlanta, Georgia. While there is now a void on earth, heaven is beaming with her presence.

A visitation was held August 9, 2013 at McDonald & Son Funeral Home in Cumming, GA. A celebration of her life was held at the First Baptist Church in Warroad, Minnesota, on August 16, 2013 with interment at the Riverside Cemetery following the service.

She was preceded in death by her husband Vernon Thompson; parents, Everett and Edith Battles; infant sons Mark and Gary; and brothers, Wesley and Dennis Battles.

She is survived by her son, Kenneth Thompson of Cumming, Ga.; son, Randy (and Phylis) Thompson of Minneapolis; daughter, Linn Thompson (Joni) of Bloomington; son, Wesley (and Debra) Thompson of Alexandria; daughter Kelly (and Mark) Bailey of Marshall; daughter, Sheri (and Richard) Cabrera of Pickerington, Ohio; son, Scott Thompson of Cumming, Ga.; daughter, Lisa (and Wayne) Bushnell of Phoenix, Ariz.; brother, Gene (and Betty Ann) Battles of Warroad; brother, James (and Barbara) Battles of Cambria, Calif.; sisters, Pat Landin and Marie Nash of Warroad; 19 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

(Based on material published by the Marshall Independent, 508 W. Main St., Marshall, MN 56258 on August 15, 2013 and the McDonald and Son Funeral Home & Crematory, 150 Sawnee Drive, Cumming, GA 30040)