LENA - Viola Berniece Welt, 86 of Lena, formerly of Winslow, passed away on Thursday, April 8, 2010 at the Freeport Rehabilitation and Health Care in Freeport, IL. She was born on November 24, 1923 in Lena, IL, to Thomas Sr. and Viola (Campbell) Shadle. She was married to Elston E. Welt on November 24, 1945 in McConnell, IL and he preceded her in death on July 16, 2004.

She farmed for several years with her husband and has lived in Stephenson County all of her life.

Viola was a long time member of Grace Bible Church in Winslow, IL.

Survivors include: two daughters, Diane Cain of Woodbury, TN, and Dixie (Harry) Kilgore of Mansfield, MO; three sons, Duane (Cindy) Welt of Silver Bay, MN, David (Deborah) Welt of Olympia, WA, Dean (Joan) Welt of Freeport, IL; 19 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; one sister, Helen Gartner of Lena, IL; and two brothers, Lee Otis and Betty Shadle of Raleigh, NC and Leroy and Virginia Shadle of Freeport, IL.

Preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Lucille Hintz and Mildred Shadle in infancy; two brothers, Donald and Daryl Shadle; one grandson, Parnel Kilgore; and son in-law, Thomas Cain.

Services will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, April 12, 2010 at Leamon Funeral Home, Lena, IL. Rev. Robert Patin will officiate.

Visitation will be from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, April 11, 2010 at Leamon Funeral Home, Lena, IL.

Burial will take place at Rock Lily Cemetery in Winslow, IL.

In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in her name for the Winslow Grace Bible Church.

Friends may send condolences to the family at www.leamonfh.com