Viola Jean Anderson

Viola Jean Anderson, 91, beloved sister and aunt, died peacefully on May 14, 2025, with a room full of family members by her side.

Viola was born on Sept. 1, 1933, in Logan, Utah, to Rudolph Albert Anderson and Runa Viola Aberg Anderson.

Viola grew up mostly in Logan but her family moved to Salt Lake City after she finished seventh grade. They lived there for a year before moving to Sandy and eventually Murray, where she graduated from Jordan High School in 1951.

Among her happiest childhood memories were family picnics in a nearby canyon, swimming in Bear Lake and Crystal Hot Springs and family reunions at Downata Hot Springs in Idaho. Also memorable was ice skating in Logan, where officials would flood the city park and create a wonderland of rink activity during the winter.

Viola eventually settled in Southern California, living in Hollywood, North Hollywood and Glendale for a total of 42 years. A one-time stenographer, she worked as a data analyst for the Southern California Gas Company for 34 years, eventually retiring in 1995.

After a three-year stint in Bellevue, Washington, Viola moved to St. George, Utah, in 1999 and remained there until moving to Eagle Mountain in 2023 and then Draper for her final five months.

Viola never married and had no children of her own, but she was a highly favored aunt by her nine nephews and nieces (and their children), who all enjoyed visiting and staying with her, especially when she lived in St. George.

A lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Viola faithfully fulfilled a multitude of callings throughout her lifetime, including serving as president of the Relief Society, the Young Women’s program and the Primary. She was heavily involved in temple work throughout her life, serving as an ordinance worker and also devoting much time to genealogy and indexing work.

Viola always exhibited an intense interest in the afterlife, and collected a wide range of books dealing with near-death experiences. We’re comforted to know she now has a perfect knowledge of the things she believed and could no doubt write her own book with everything she has learned in the short time since she departed her mortal probation.

Viola is survived by her brother Richard Anderson (Mildred), her sister Eleonore Fox, her nine nieces and nephews, and a large contingent of great- and great-great-nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Rudolph Anderson; her mother, Runa Anderson; and her younger brother, Steven Anderson, who died when Viola was just 15 years old.

A viewing will be held on Saturday, May 17, at 9:30 a.m. at Anderson & Goff Mortuary, 11859 South 700 East in Draper. Funeral services will immediately follow at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be at the Sandy City Cemetery, 700 S. 9000 East in Sandy.