Cherokee Memorial Park & Funeral Home

Remembering

Violet McPherson (Rott)

Violet McPherson (Rott) passed away peacefully in her home on February 23, 2010 at the age of 89.  The day of her passing, she enjoyed preparing a dinner with her grandchildren, visiting with them at the dinner table and washed all the dishes.  She sat down in her favorite chair and passed while napping.  Violet was born September 21, 1920 in Bowden, North Dakota to Daniel and Pauline Rott.  She grew up on the family farm along with her two older brothers, Emer and Howard.  She loved to tell stories about growing up on the farm and caring for the sheep, especially her great love for lambs. 

At the age of 17, Violet ventured out on her own, first visiting relatives in Lodi and then to Los Angeles where she met her husband of 61 years, Woodrow McPherson.  Woody and Violet raised two children, Doug and Susan in Lodi.  A family tradition spanning four generations was to take summer vacations in Santa Cruz to attend their church camp meetings and enjoy their love of the ocean with trips to the beach and boardwalk.  Violet was a long-standing member of the English Oaks Seventh-day Adventist Church and dearly loved the Lord.

Violet enjoyed working as a waitress at various Lodi restaurants, including reopening the Hollywood Café during WW II.  For 35 years, Violet served many customers who became instant friends as she greeted them by name, a friendly smile, and an easy-going nature.

Cooking and family events were major parts of Violet’s life.  All who tasted Violet’s cheese buttons always came back for more, stating they were the best in Lodi.  Canning pickles was an annual activity and her special recipe always delivered mouth puckering results.  Visitors never left “Vi’s” kitchen hungry, usually leaving with plates full of food.

Violet had a wide circle of relatives and friends who she enjoyed visiting with until her very last day.  Her phone was always ringing with people wanting to chat.  Her love of cooking and entertaining was appreciated by those around her who enjoyed the fruits of her labor.  She was a beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and the center of her loving family. Her unselfish and generous spirit will be greatly missed by all who knew her.  Motherhood did not end with her own family and to this day many still refer to her as “mom”.

Violet was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and brothers.  She is survived by her son Douglas McPherson of Lodi (Linda), daughter Susan Simpson of Woodbridge (Richard),  grandchildren Scott , Amanda, Tiffany, Shella, Robin, Rodney, Lance, Karen, Gigi, and Jennifer and great-grand-children; Julia Violet, Alex, Kayley, Isak, Austin, Jackie, Jillian, Lauralyn, Joesielyn, and Caleb.    Violet is also survived by her niece Arlis Carpenter who was like a daughter. 

Viewing will be available from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 28 at the Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home.  Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, March 1 at Evergreen Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park.  Donations in lieu of flowers can be sent in her name to 3ABN P.O. Box 220 West Frankfort, IL 62896 or Lodi Educational Endowment Foundation "LEEF" 1210 W. Century Blvd. #26 Lodi, CA 95240-6639.