Avonia “Vona” Margaret Voltolini, 90, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at the Hospice House in Hayden, Idaho December 16, 2011. Vona was born April 12, 1921 in a mining camp in Copper Mountain, British Columbia, Canada. Vona was the daughter of Harvey and Margaret (Wilkinson) Keim. As a child Vona moved with her family to North Idaho settling in Burke. She eventually made her way to Wallace, where she lived for over 80 years. Vona attended and graduated from the Wallace High School in 1939. She then went on to Kinman Business School in Spokane where she studied secretarial work. She later returned to Wallace where she worked as a secretary for Coeur d’ Alene Hardware and foundry, and later as a personal secretary for the president of ASARCO.
Vona married Gus Voltolini November 16, 1945 at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Wallace, Idaho. They were married 41 years when Gus passed away in 1986.
Vona was a member of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, the Catholic daughters, the alter society, a sewing club, and the Shoshone ladies golf club. She enjoyed golfing, sewing, swimming, playing bridge, working in her flower garden, traveling, going on cruises, snowmobiling, attending plays, being with friends, and spending time at her lake cabin, but what Vona loved the most of all was her family. Her family was of the utmost importance to her and she loved spending time with them especially her grandchildren.
Vona is survived by 2 daughters Sallie Sprute of Silverton, Idaho, and Peg and her husband Larry Stein of Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho; 4 grandchildren Kyle Sprute of Salt Lake City, Utah, Jake and his wife Katie Sprute of Phoenix, Arizona, Gus and his wife Jen Stein of Seattle, Washington, and Ben Stein of Spokane, Washington; 2 great-grandchildren Kaylin and Luke Stein; and numerous nieces and nephews. Vona was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Gus, one infant daughter Joann; 4 brothers Howard, Ted, Art, and one infant brother Frankie Keim. The family would like to thank Coeur d’ Alene Homes for the wonderful, compassionate care they provided Vona.
A Rosary Service will be held Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at 7:00 P.M. at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church of Wallace, Idaho. The Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, December 22, 2011 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, with Father Tom Loucks serving as celebrant. Burial will be at Nine Mile Cemetery, of Wallace. A reception for family and friends will be held at the Wallace Elks following services. The family suggests that memorials may be made to the St. Alphonsus Catholic Church of Wallace, Idaho or to the Hospice House of North Idaho, c/o Hospice of North Idaho, 9493 N. Government Way, Hayden, Idaho 83835.
SHOSHONE FUNERAL SERVICES KELLOGG, IDAHO is entrusted with funeral arrangements.
If you would like to leave a comment for the family please fill out the form below. It is important that you include to whom your comments are in rememberance of so that they will be posted to the correct individual. All comments will be posted by 8:00 a.m. the next day.
Vona was the sharpest Bridge partner I was ever privileged to play with. She taught you her tricks, charmed you with her kind humor, and was generous when you made dumb plays. She is remembered and missed. -- Mary Panke
Peg,Sallie,and family--I'm so sorry to hear about your Mom's passing especially at this time of the year. It's so very hard to lose our Mom's no matter when or how. Carolyn,George, and I have also expierenced the loss of our Mom this past year in June. Not such a great year for all of us kids is it. Although our Mom's have gone on to bigger and better things in Heaven. I'm sure that your Mom will be greatly missed as our Mom is. Your Mom was a really nice lady and I'm so glad that I had the pleasure of knowing her. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your families. -- Diane Domijan
Vona was a wonderful friend and neighbor over the years for my Mom, Margaret Pears. Vona was a gracious, lovely lady, and someone who will be sorely missed. God Bless all of your family. -- Lynda (Pears) Chadwick
I am sorry for the loss of your Mother.She was a wonderful neighbor. Vona kept a watchful eye on my Mother after my Dad passed away and would take her to church, the store, or just call Mom to see if she was alright. I could never put into words just what that meant to our family. -- Ed Pears
We are so sorry about your loss. May her memory be eternal. -- Joanna Tzenis and Dean Natto
Our deepest condolences on the loss of your Mom, Grandma, and friend. Our prayers are with you. -- Rick and Michelle Grebil
Peg, Larry, Gus and Ben, How do you say "goodbye" to the most infuential person in your life. I have been struggling with that for the last year, after losing my Mom. How lucky your family has been to have such a wonderful Mom, grandmother, and Mother-in-law in your lives. Her unconditional love and wonderful memories will carry you through this difficult time. We are thinking of you and you are in our prayers. Love to all, -- Julie and Tim Olson
My sincere and deepest sympathy to your family. Vona was one of the most gracious and caring people I have ever known. She will be greatly missed by all. -- Carla Doney
Was so sorry about the loss of your Mother, Vona. My Mom, (Donna) asked about your Mother quite often, as they were close friends. Big loss, and at the holiday season, it is especially hard. Please accept our condolences. -- Judy Mullen Felice
Sallie and family know of our sincere sympathy in hearing of your Mother's passing. Sherm had many enjoyable chats with her though work from the store and really enjoyed the times. -- Sherm and Lawanna Watts
What a bright light of life she was. You could not be in her presence without experiencing joy and vitality. We thank her for who she was and for who she was for her special family. We are holding you all in love and prayer. -- Sr. Roberta and Sr. Rosemary
My heartfelt condolences to Sallie, and Peg,and to the extended families. I have such warm memories of Vona, and summers in the back yard. R.I.P. Vona. -- Patty Turley Petri
