Viola "Vi" Dugan passed away peacefully on Friday, July 17, in Kansas City, Missouri, at the age of 96. Although she did not quite reach her 97th birthday, she lived a remarkable life filled with love, faith, generosity, and devotion to her family.

Viola was born to Russell Sylvester Glaze and Laura Etta Glaze (Pease). She attended Paseo High School in 1945 and married the love of her life, Thomas Stephen Dugan, on April 23, 1946. Together they built not only a home in Overland Park, Kansas, but a life centered on family and hard work. They shared 68 wonderful years of marriage until Tom's passing in 2014.

Together, Tom and Viola raised three children: Stephen Russell, Linda Loretta, and Dwight Thomas. They instilled in their children the values of integrity, education, service, and their Irish-German Catholic faith. Viola was deeply involved in her children's lives, serving as a Scout mother, PTA room mother, volunteer, gardener, cook, and teacher of life's everyday lessons. Her home was always filled with warmth, delicious meals, beautiful gardens, and unconditional love.

Viola found joy in simple pleasures. She was an accomplished gardener who continued tending flowers well into her nineties and loved spending time outdoors watching birds and squirrels. Family vacations, especially summers spent in Grand Lake, Colorado, created cherished memories that lasted a lifetime. She and Tom also enjoyed traveling and camping with close friends.

Later in life, Viola discovered a passion for jigsaw puzzles, completing dozens each year. Many were framed by her and her daughter, Linda, earning her the affectionate family nickname, "The Puzzle Queen." Her faithful cat, Patches, was always nearby, keeping her company during those peaceful afternoons.

A lifelong servant to others, Viola generously volunteered with numerous organizations, including the Independent Order of Foresters, the Johnson County Kansas Historical Society, and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. She also dedicated 17 years of service to the Kansas Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society before retiring around the age of 71. Helping others was simply who she was.

Viola and Tom were longtime members of Queen of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church before becoming devoted parishioners of Curé of Ars Catholic Church in Leawood.

Viola was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Thomas Stephen Dugan; and her sons, Stephen Russell Dugan and Dwight Thomas Dugan.

She is lovingly survived by her daughter, Linda (Dugan) Blackford; son-in-law, Paul Blackford; her grandson, Christopher Blackford, his wife, Kelsey; grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

The family held a private visitation and graveside service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the many caregivers, physicians, nurses, rehabilitation staff, assisted living and memory care professionals, and hospice caregivers whose compassion and dedication brought Viola comfort and dignity during the final chapter of her life.

Viola will be remembered for her gentle spirit, generous heart, tireless work ethic, and the immeasurable love she gave to her family and everyone fortunate enough to know her. Her legacy of kindness, service, and devotion will continue to inspire generations to come.