Viola Phyllis Struck

Viola Phyllis Struck of Globe, Arizona was called to the Lord on November 3rd, 2014. Viola was born to Joe and Christina (Olguin) Torrez on May 25th, 1929 in Center, Colorado. She is preceded in heaven by her parents, her 12 brothers and sisters and her husband, Frank J. Struck. Viola was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend to all who knew her. From a very young age, she faced tough life challenges and overcame every single one. Following a spine injury, she first learned to walk, at the age of four; thanks to her brother Fred, whom she held in high regard. In order to help with the family's finances, she stopped going to school in 6th grade in order to work on the farm to pick peas and potatoes. She eventually had to go back to school, but soon thereafter her father was in an automobile accident which resulted in medical bills that her family could not afford. Viola took it upon herself to again sacrifice school for her family. She pretended to go to school, and instead had her cousin drive her 15 miles to Del Norte, CO to work at the same hospital her father had been treated for his accident. She cleaned hospital rooms and helped out wherever she could. Eventually, her mother found out that Viola hadn't been going to school, and understood what she was doing to help out. She worked at the hospital until the bill was completely paid in full. When she was a teenager, she went horseback riding and fell off. She lost her top teeth and broke her nose, and yet again more medical bills plagued the family. Like she had done before, Viola's grit and work ethic took over, and she worked her own bill off. While she was walking home from work one day, her future husband pulled up beside her and asked if she wanted a ride home. She refused. Grandpa put his truck in park and walked her home. When they arrived at her house it was there that he realized that he had been there before since he was friends with one of Grandma's older brothers. Her mother, Christina, remembered him and embraced his gesture walking her daughter home. He was immediately accepted and their love blossomed. Frank and Viola were married on December 9th, 1950, in Monte Vista, CO. Her hard work was evident throughout her life ranging from clinical assistant in Center, to boat factory worker in Grants, to laundry mat assistant manager, housekeeper and caregiver in Globe; all while being a homemaker to her husband Frank and their seven children. Throughout the many moves that Frank, Viola, and the kids made through Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico; she made it look seamless. She made every stop a home, especially here in Globe, and made sure that her family stayed together. She ensured that Frank had nothing to worry about while he was at work. Their legacy of working hard, putting their family first, and building lasting memories were instilled in to their kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids. Her life is a testament to getting back on the saddle when you fall off that horse, and fight for all that you love. She did that, every day of her life. Viola is survived by her children: Frances & Quintin Ochoa of Globe, AZ; Tina Struck of Globe, AZ; Edward Struck of Yuma, AZ; Erma Salas of Globe, AZ; Emma & Harrison Ross of San Carlos, AZ; Clara & Hilario Coronado of Miami, AZ; and Clifford Struck of, Globe, AZ. Her Grandchildren: Christy Ochoa Wood; Angie & Lyn Ramsey; Harrison & Heather Ross; Naaman & Dawn Struck; Desiree & Kelsey Gallagher; Candice & Kyle Buckett; Dimitri & Crystal Coronado; Dave Salas; Evon Salas; Isaiah & Diamond Coronado; and Frank Struck. Her 13 Great-grandchildren: Kelly, Andrew, Aaron, Brandon, Joshua, Austin, Dustin, Ethan, Ashlyn, Brooke, Charlotte, Gavin, and Addilyn. Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, November 10, 2014 at 10:00 A.M. at Holy Angels Catholic Church in Globe, AZ