Viola J. Bird , 91, formerly of Columbia City, died in the company of  her daughters at 12:46 p.m. Monday, December 25, 2023, at Adams Woodcrest in Decatur.

Born on April 30, 1932, in Whitley County, Indiana, she was a daughter of the late Harold F. and Carrie J. (Evard) Kyler.  Growing up in Columbia Twp., she graduated from Columbia City High School in 1950.

On September 11, 1953, she married Robert H. Bird.  They made their home in Coesse for ten years then moved to a farm in Union Twp.  Robert died on August 24, 1995.  In 1997, Viola moved to Columbia City.

In addition to being a homemaker raising the couple's three daughters, Viola worked for Schultz Brothers in Columbia City, Chamberlain Products, South Whitley, Moda Day Dress Shop, Columbia City and Dollar General.

Through the years she enjoyed camping and listening to Blue Grass music.  In her younger years, she regularly square danced in Pierceton and other venues.  Along with her brothers, she liked hit-n-miss engines and being with family.  In her quiet time, she liked to crochet.

Surviving are her daughters, Vonna Bird of Decatur, Glenna Meade of Warsaw and Wanda (Larry Clifton) Crowell of Decatur; grandchildren, Jami Mullins, Eric Mullins, Chase Copeland; and great-grandchildren, Alix (Drew) Greer, Colin (Ashley Murphy) Mullins, Gracie Menike; and great-great grandchildren, Brian, Ander, & Lennon Greer.

Additionally, she was preceded in death by a stillborn son, Jon Robert Bird; brothers, Richard, David, James, and Harold F. Kyler Jr.; a sister, Mary Phillips; and a son-in-law, Cecil Meade.

The funeral service is 1 p.m. Wednesday, (January 3rd) at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.  Burial is at Covington Memorial Gardens, Fort Wayne.  Visitation is 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to the Downs Syndrome Foundation.