Viola M. (Smith) Bownds, age 92, died Monday, August 22, 2016 in Clayton, New Mexico.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 PM on Friday, August 26, 2016 at the First United Methodist Church in Clayton, New Mexico with Rev. Kenneth W. Tidmore, pastor officiating. Burial followed in the Clayton Memorial Cemetery by Hass Funeral Directors of Clayton, New Mexico.

Viola M. Bownds was born on September 3, 1923 in Lamy, New Mexico. She was the third child of James C. Smith and Fannie Mae (Wilt) Smith. She had seven siblings; two of which are living; Bernard Smith in Santa Fe, New Mexico and Jerry Smith in Amarillo, Texas. Vi knew the meaning of work. She worked from the time she was very young; cleaning houses, earning her board and room in order to attend school. She married Frank Austin Bownds on July 11, 1942 and later moved to California where Frankie was in the Navy. They spent many years in Los Angeles, California where they worked for the U.S. Royal Tire Co., after Frankie was out of the Navy. They were always conscious of the needs of Vi's mother and Vi's younger siblings, helping in any way they could. Later they moved to Sacramento, California, where Vi worked for a travel agency. This was a wonderful job because she and Frankie were able to travel all over the world taking people on tours. They lost their only son, Bob, at the age of 45 while in Sacramento, leaving them with two grandchildren. Vi retired and since Frankie was unable to work because of health reasons, they moved to Amarillo, Texas; closer to home. But this was not the end of Vi's work experiences. At the age of 70 she began working at Love's Trading Post on I-40 West of Amarillo until age 82. She lost that job only because they closed the Trading Post. She often said that if they hadn't closed she would still be working there. She was the oldest employee of Love's properties all over the United States. Vi and Frankie were giving persons with great work ethics. They knew what it was like to be without; consequently they made special effort to care for others. After Frankie passed away on September 26, 2007, Vi sold her beautiful home in Amarillo and moved to Clayton to take care of her sister who was in bad health. After she passed away Vi eventually moved into the Clayton Nursing and Rehabilitation because of her own health. Vi's personality was such that drew people in - she had a great sense of humor and a great capacity to love. Her siblings along with her grandchildren, nieces and nephews and in-laws enjoyed her through the years. She was loved by those in the Nursing Home, as well as others and will be missed greatly.

SURVIVORS:

3 GRANDCHILDREN: Tracy Hussey and her husband Greg of Roseville, California, Neal Bownds of Fair Oaks, California and Jennifer Burkhart of Sacramento, California.

2 BROTHERS: Bernard Smith and his wife Sue of Santa Fe, New Mexico and Jerry Smith and his wife Karel of Amarillo, Texas.

Nieces and Nephews: Gary Smith, Sheri and Bob Spinelli, Shawn and Don Clements, Kent Smith, Mike Smith, Rick and Dwinna Smith, Bill Smith, Tim Dean, Sharon Smith, Norman Smith and Danny Ray and Roger Fisher.