Violet Jean (Papesh) Soule

Violet Jean Soule, 89, of Portage, passed away Saturday, April 29, 2023, at her home. She was born August 18, 1933, in Joliet, Illinois, to the late Joseph Papesh and Jean Julia (Vicich) Vliek, second to the oldest of nine children. She married Arthur Soule, July 16, 1955. Her father, Joseph Papesh passed away when she was a young teen. In 1948, Violet moved to Paw Paw. She left high school at age 16 to begin working. This was at a time when women were not widely accepted in the workplace. 

Violet finished her working career with the Checker Motor Company. She was their first female inspector. She had a strong work ethic and respected others. As the years went on, Violet was able to return to school and received her diploma from Paw Paw High School. Violet welcomed her first grandson, Bryan into her life. Some might say her favorite. She was a dedicated and supportive grandmother, never missing a single sporting event as he went through school. Violet loved to play pool and as a longtime member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary, she also played on their pool league. She was known for making the best potato salad and lemon meringue pie. She enjoyed watching the Detroit Tigers, Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune. 

Surviving is her daughter, Robyn (Bryan Sr.) VanNiman, six grandchildren, Bryan (Nichole) VanNiman, Amanda Parks, April (John) Craven, Jason Vandenburg, Jess Vandenburg and Samantha (Nick Ullrey) Vandenburg; ten great-grandchildren, Kennedy VanNiman, Nicholas VanNiman, Jared Woods, Emily (Biomar De La Cruz) Woods, Audrey Jados, Lillian Parks, Natalie Parks, Nevaeh Hayes, Nathaniel Hayes and Sage Ullrey, one sister, Dorothy Williams, along with many nieces and nephews. 

Violet was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur Soule, brothers, Joseph "Sonny" Papesh, Richard "Pete" Papesh, Ronald "Butch" Papesh, William "Billy" Papesh, Lawrence "Larry" Papesh and Thomas "Tommy" Papesh, one sister, Joanne "Honey" Schlee and her stepfather, William Vliek. 

Family will receive friends Saturday, May 6, 2023, beginning at 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at the Adams Funeral Home, 502 West Michigan Ave., Paw Paw, where a funeral service will commence at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Mattawan. Following the committal service there will be a luncheon held at the funeral home.  

Memorial contributions may be made to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. 

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