Viola May “Vi” Longfellow, 99, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 12:00 A.M. Thursday April 24, 2025, at Accolade Healthcare in Danville, IL. She was born May 13, 1925, in Danville, IL, the daughter of Roscoe and Margaret (Byerly) Fleenor. She married Robert Longfellow on December 23, 1944, in Tyler, TX. He preceded her in death.
She is survived by one daughter, Vickie Chaffee (Gary Cronkhite) of West Lebanon, IN; one son, Robert E. (Sherry) Longfellow, Jr. of Hoopeston, IL; three grandchildren, Todd (Anissa) Longfellow, Ty (Lyndsey) Longfellow, and Amanda Mills; six great-grandchildren, Sawyer Longfellow (Halee Schwanke), Alisha Longfellow, Cale Longfellow, Kelcie Huff, and Violet and Ruby Mills; and three great-great-grandchildren, Xander and Emma Huff and Nash Longfellow; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband, Viola was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Helen Brandenburg; and one brother, Leonard E. Fleenor.
Viola worked at TRW and later at Baker’s clothing store. She was also a homemaker, caring for her family. She was a member of the First Christian Church Disciples of Christ in Hoopeston. Viola enjoyed sewing, quilting, embroidery, and spending time with her family.
Visitation will be held 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. Monday, May 5, 2025, at Anderson Funeral Home, 427 E. Main St., Hoopeston, IL. The funeral service will follow the visitation and will begin at 12:00 P.M. Monday May 5th at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston.
Memorial donations may be made in memory of Viola to the donor’s choice.
Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com to view Viola’s eternal tribute page and to send the family condolences.
Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.
