Viola Loretta Billman, of Sunman, was born on March 29, 1944, in Batesville, a daughter to Louis and Pauline Koetter Niese. She married Marvin Billman on June 11, 1966, and together they raised four children. While caring for her family, Viola worked outside the home as a cook for St. Nicholas and St. Lawrence schools, where she started their lunch programs. She also catered weddings and took great pride in her meals and the families she served. Viola loved quilting, sewing, working puzzles and playing cards in her spare time. On Saturday, August 17, 2024, at the age of 80, Viola passed away at St. Andrews Health Campus in Batesville, with her loving family by her side.
Those surviving who cherish Viola’s memory include her children Diane (Pablo) Quiroz, Josie (Steve) Hornberger, and David (Cindy) Billman, all of Sunman; and John (Carrie) Billman of Brookville; fourteen grandchildren; six great-grandchildren, and a favorite exchange student, Karina Salgado. Also surviving are sisters, Pat (Denis) Schrank, and Lucille Honnert; brothers, Virgil (Carol) Niese, Dale (Carol) Niese, and Jim (Jeri) Niese; brother-in-law, Joe Montag, and sisters-in-law, Sue Niese, and Darlene (Bud) Ritzi. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Marvin on July 20, 2016; one brother, Clifford Niese; one sister, Ann Montag, and two brothers-in-law, Larry Honnert and Melvin Billman.
Friends and relatives may visit with family on Thursday, August 22, from 4:00 – 7:00 pm at Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home, 107 Vine Street, Sunman. The Requiem Mass, officiated by Father Shaun Whittington, will be celebrated at St. Nicholas Church, Sunman, on Friday beginning at 10:30 am. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Memorial donations may be directed to St. Nicholas School, the Sunman Life Squad, or the Sunman Volunteer Fire Department. To sign the online guestbook or to leave a personal condolence, please visit www.cookrosenberger.com. The staff of Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home is honored to care for the family of Viola Billman.