Viola Margaret Davenport, 91, died May 26, 2014, at Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice in Wichita. She was born Jan. 22, 1923, in Castleton, to Claude N. and Maude E. (Givens) Van Hoozen.

She attended McPherson College. Viola taught in one-room schools in the Pretty Prairie area. She was a longtime member of Tenth Avenue United Methodist Church in Hutchinson and was a member of the Jefferson Janes EHU from 1954-1997. Viola was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Kingman; Chapter #17. On Aug. 3, 1943, she married Joseph A. Davenport in Castleton. Together, they started Davenport Auction in 1950. She had a successful career as a cashier and re-broker until her retirement in 1984. Joe died Feb. 2, 2006.

Survivors include: two daughters, Ann J. Moeder, Plevna, and Alice J. Lewman and husband Wayne, Wichita; four grandchildren, Abby (Lewman) Trimble, Wichita, Daron Moeder, Pretty Prairie, Ginger Lewman and Eric Luby, Hutchinson, and Toby Moeder, Hutchinson; one great-granddaughter, Brailey Moeder, Hutchinson; one niece and one nephew. She was preceded in death by her parents and four brothers.

Viola's wish was to have her body donated to Kansas University School of Medicine. Memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 14, 2014, at Elliott Chapel, with Pastor Robert Ulrich officiating. Friends may sign the register book from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Friday at Elliott Mortuary. Memorials may be made to Prairie Sunset Home, Pretty Prairie, or Castleton Union Church, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main.