Viola A. Bangs, age 97, of Lakin, Kansas, died Tuesday, October 8, 2019, at St. Catherine Hospital in Garden City, Kansas. She was born January 21, 1922, in Clapham, New Mexico, the daughter of Theodore Herman and Margaret Amelia (Stefen) Wehmeler.

Viola was a cook at the Alamo Supper Club in Ulysses and also Bob Wilson Memorial Hospital. She enjoyed playing cards, family vacations, and making pies during the holidays. On May 12, 1937, Viola married Joseph M. Emerson in Clayton, New Mexico. She married Merle Bangs on January 11, 1978, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Viola is survived by her daughter, Peggy Peden of Lakin, Kansas; three grandchildren, Joe Peden and wife Suzie, Pam Wallgren, and Kurtis Peden and wife Tess; six great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.

Viola is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Joseph Emerson in 1964; husband, Merle in 2001; daughter, Mary Wirz; five brothers, and one sister.

Memorial service will be Friday, November 1, 2019, at 2:00 p.m. at Garnand Funeral Home Chapel in Ulysses. Private inurnment will be at the Ulysses Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to High Plains Retirement Village or donor’s choice in care of Garnand Funeral Home, 405 W. Grant Ave, Ulysses, KS 67880. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.