Viola Vanderbeck

Mrs. Viola Vanderbeck, 96, of St. Joseph, MI passed away Tuesday, October 15, 2019 at her home. Viola was born November 13, 1922 in St. Joseph, MI to Albert & Theresa (Dorrow) Bittner. She graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1938 and then attended Twin City Business College in Benton Harbor, MI. On January 17, 1943 she married the late Stanley Vanderbeck, Jr. in St. Joseph, MI. Viola worked as the Assistant Deputy Treasurer at the Berrien County Clerk’s Office. Viola was a member of St. Peter’s United Church of Christ in St. Joseph for many years and was involved in many activities such as the church choir and playing the piano and organ. In her spare time, she enjoyed shopping, baking (especially her chocolate chip cookies and apple pies), and spending time with family. A Service of Witness to the Resurrection will be held at 11:00 A.M., Thursday, November 14, 2019 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd.,A visitation will be held prior to the service from 10:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M., Thursday at the funeral home. Following the service, a private Order for Christian Burial will take place at Riverview Cemetery in St. Joseph. Family and friends will gather following the burial for a meal at the funeral home. Those wishing to share a memory of Viola online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice. Viola is survived by her two daughters Elaine (Lee) Gast Jr., and Susan Campbell, and her son Dr. Ron (Laurie) Vanderbeck; five grandchildren Michael Gast, David (Dr. Lisa) Gast, Dr. Bob (Kristen Manies) Brainard, Dr. Andrew Brainard,; seven great-grandchildren Katherine & Caroline Gast, Andy and Zoë Gast, Tyler & Riley Brainard and Jade Brainard; as well as her sister, Elaine Brouwer, sister-in-law, DeDe Bittner, sister-in-law, Gloria Vanderbeck, numerous nieces and nephews, and her beloved grand dog, Maggie. Viola was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and eight siblings.