Viola Lucile Whitmore

Viola Lucile Whitmore was born on September 1, 1920 in Akron, OH and passed away peacefully on August 28, 2017, surrounded by her family in Flower Mound, TX.

Viola was the second of six children born to Lenore Caroline Short Bemis and Marvin George Bemis. She grew up in Ann Arbor, MI where many years later she met her beloved husband Robert Ervin Whitmore (Bob) while both worked at Argus Camera. They were wed in a double ceremony in Breckenridge, KY on August 5, 1944 just a couple of months before Bob was deployed to Europe in the Army during World War II.

After the war they moved to Houston, TX where Bob attended the University of Houston. After Bob’s graduation they moved to Indianapolis, IN when Bob joined Johnson Service Company (later Johnson Controls). They later moved to Fort Wayne, IN during which time they welcomed their only child, Bobby. They later moved back to Indianapolis then to Carmel, IN where they resided for over 30 years.

Viola enjoyed being a homemaker. Her hobbies included playing bridge, crocheting, and bowling. For years, she especially enjoyed preparing a big breakfast the morning of the Indianapolis 500 for the many family members who were attending the race. In the years following Bob’s retirement, they enjoyed travelling to different parts of the US.
Viola was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 56 years: her parents: brothers Marvin (Lefty) and James Oliver Bemis, and sisters Violet Louise Savery and Marjorie Lenore Wilcox. She is survived by her only child Robert E. Whitmore II (Beth) and grandchildren Brandon and Bailey, all from Flower Mound, TX and sister Patricia (Paul) Roberts of North Pole, AK. Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 2, 2017 from 11 am to 12 pm at Flanner and Buchanan-Oaklawn Memorial Gardens (Conner Suite) in Indianapolis, IN. Interment will be immediately following the visitation. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the American Cancer Society.