Violet Elizabeth Pertler

PERTLER, Violet Elizabeth (Carr)  Age 74, of Swartz Creek. How precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His Saints. (Psalms 116:15). The Lord received one of His own Sunday, August 3, 2003 when Violet joined the angels in Joyful Assembly. Violets best friend, lifelong companion and husband, Donald was at her side as she peacefully left this world and flew to her eternal home. Earths loss is Heavens gain. Funeral services will be held 11 AM Thursday, August 7, 2003 at Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Rd., Swartz Creek with Rev. Sherrill D. Hayes officiating. Violet will be laid to rest at Oakwood Cemetery, Gaines next to her great-grandparents and great great grandparents. Visitation will be held from 2-4 and 6-9 PM Tuesday and Wednesday at the funeral home. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the Alzheimer's Association. Violet was born September 22, 1928 to Vinnie (Pollard) and Marshall Carr in Flint. She moved to Gaines, where she met her husband and best friend, Don. Violet and Don graduated together from Gaines High School in 1946 and were joined together in marriage August 9, 1947. They would have celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary on Saturday, August 9, 2003. Violet was an American original. Born in humble circumstances, she chose to live a life of optimism and learned from her mother, Vinnie and grandmother, Norah Pollard, how to work with her hands. She used her thirst for life and learning to create, design and teach. After raising three sons Violet continued her formal education, graduating with honors from U of M with a Bachelors Degree in 1969 and a Masters Degree in Art Education in 1971. Violet taught at Swartz Creek High School for 22 years, retiring in 1990. During those years she took a group of students to Paris and made trips to Egypt, Japan, and Korea. Violet was also a camp counselor for troubled youth in Ellensburg, WA from 1974 to 1977. After retirement, Violet was a volunteer at the Flint Institute of Arts, continuing her love of teaching art and encouraging others to see the beauty of life. Violet attended West Court Street Church of God where she was active in Christian education and teaching. She played the role of Mary for many years in the annual outdoor Nativity reenactment. Many who loved her and were touched by her life will miss Violet. No one will miss her more than the man she loved to the end, Don. Yet we are not without hope, Don will join her someday and they will remain, together forever. Besides her husband, Violet leaves three sons: Terry Lynn Pertler and wife, Michelle of New Port Richey, FL, their daughters, Coleen and Jena; son, Dr. Rick Alan Pertler and wife, Marla of Swartz Creek and their sons, Benjamin and Nicholas and daughters, Jodi (Pertler) Manley and husband, Nathan, Dana Pertler; son, Timothy Paul Pertler and wife, Kathy of Middletown, IN and their son, Andrew. Violet also leaves many aunts, uncles and cousins, along with many dear friends. Among her dear friends are the family of Red Alford, Joyce Spear, and Bonnie McMann. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the loving care provided by Homewood Village and Lapeer Hospice. Friends may share their online condolences with the family at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.