Violet Janett Asbury

Our mom, Violet J. Asbury, passed away peacefully in her sleep in Spencer, Indiana at the age of 91. She was born to Millard and Tinnette Vrooman in Portland, Oregon. During her younger years, she lived just outside of Longview, Washington. Her fondest memories were from her time on the farm with her father—stories she shared with us over and over again. At an early age, she married and had eight children with her first husband. She later married again and had two more children before becoming a widow. With ten children to raise, her hands were always full. She married a third time, which ended in divorce, and later met the partner she would live with for over 35 years until his passing. While raising her family, Violet worked alongside her mother as a cook at the popular Portland pub Pal’s Shanty. She continued to cook at several other establishments until her retirement at age 62. Violet loved fashion and delighted in shopping, especially trips to the mall and ordering from catalogs. She also loved to have a garden, even if we kids did all the weeding. Preserving food to feed her large family filled the summer months, and we will forever cherish memories of peeling, slicing, and filling jars together in the kitchen. She especially loved the holidays, with Easter being her favorite. She decorated for every season, and gift-giving was always on her mind—planning for Christmas months in advance for her large family. Violet cherished time with her family—holiday gatherings, picnics, trips to the coast, and camping. Preparing food and bringing everyone together gave her immense joy. These are the moments we will hold close in our hearts. Violet had 10 children who gave her 27 grandchildren, 113 great-grandchildren, 41 great-great-grandchildren, and one great-great-great-grandchild, with two more on the way. That’s a family tree with some strong and heavy branches. She is survived by her brother, Steven Leith; daughters Katie Nelson-Kelly, Robin Vibbart, Lora Krossman, Lorraine Asbury, and Debra Case; and sons Charles Krossman, Greg Krossman, and Jimmie Schlaht. She was preceded in death by her sister, Millie East; her son, Tony Krossman; her daughter, Jolly Ryding; and her parents. Rest in peace, dear Mother. You will be deeply missed. We will always remember your sense of adventure, your love of the holidays, and the love you gave us all. Until we meet again, Mom—God has you now. Services for Violet Asbury will be as follows: On June 8th, 2025, we will have a graveside service at Bunker Hill Cemetery, 350 Bunker Hill Rd, Longview, WA 98632. Service will begin at 11am. And following a Celebration of Life reception for mom will be at Laird & Debbie Case's home at 1158 SE Hawthorne Ave, Dallas, OR 97338- Beginning at 4pm. Food will be provided. If you could kindly RSVP so we can plan accordingly, that would be greatly appreciated. Any questions, please contact Debbie Case at 503-428-1322.

Tributes

Violet Janett Asbury

April 21, 1933 - February 22, 2025