Viola Ishem

September 10, 1940 - March 2, 2021

Viola (Shoate) Ishem was born September 10, 1940, in Poteau, Oklahoma, to Leonard and Abbie (Pulcher) Shoate. She was 80 when she passed away on March 2, 2021. Violet received her early education in Leflore County before moving to Bartlesville, Oklahoma, in the 9th grade. She attended Douglass High School and graduated from College High in 1958. While in school she was a member of the Douglass Dragon Pep Leaders. She married Davis (Carl) Ishem and they continued to reside in Bartlesville with their daughter Cynthia. Violet first worked in radiology for Memorial Hospital and later was employed at the Westside Community Center for 25 years. After her retirement she spent her time working part-time for non-profits and, of course, doting on her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Viola enjoyed thrift shopping for all of her loved ones, playing bingo, and watching NBA games. She was a devoted wife, mother, and granny. Viola is survived by her daughter Cynthia (Ishem) Barnes of Oklahoma City; three grandchildren Whitney (Burgess) Jackson of Edmond, Trey Burgess of Tulsa, and Taylor Burgess of Edmond; and four great-grandchildren Davis (Mekhi), Isaiah, Ava, and Evan. She is also survived by her sister Alice Faye Shoate, brother Edward Shoate, and cousin Fred Gragg, all of Bartlesville; along with numerous nieces, nephews, family members, and many friends. Viola was preceded in death by her husband Carl, parents Leonard & Abbie, and three brothers Oma Lee (Peter), Leon, and Glenn. Visitation for Viola will be held on Thursday from 10-8 and Friday 10-1 at the Davis Family Funeral Home & Crematory – Walker Brown Chapel. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. on Friday, at the Davis Family Funeral Home & Crematory – Walker Brown Chapel. Interment will follow in the White Rose Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Carter Davis and the Davis Family Funeral Home & Crematory – Walker Brown Chapel. Online condolences and remembrances may be shared at www.DavisFamilyFuneralHome.com.