Violette Eshleman

VIOLETTE E. ESHLEMAN STERLING - Violette E. Eshleman, 98, died Monday, October 10, 2011 at her home. Violette Ernestine Bernice Eckman was born June 7, 1913 in Rock Falls, the daughter of Ernest and Signe (Turling) Eckman. On August 11, 1934, she married Lyle Eshleman, the love of her life, at her parents' home in Sterling. He preceded her in death on September 23, 1986, after 52 years of marriage. Violette (Vi) graduated from Sterling High School, where she acted in plays, illustrated the yearbook and served as class Vice-President. After high school, she attended the Commercial Art School of Chicago and was later employed coloring photos for Eshleman Photos and Hart's Studio. As a member of the Rock River Camera Club, she won many awards for her own photographs. Violette was a talented pianist, who accompanied her husband Lyle's violin-playing at local events in their early years together. She loved to garden and cook, camp and canoe, go to antique markets, play Scrabble, read non-fiction, hunt for agates at Lake Superior, and watch nature, history and crime programs on TV. Her fondest trips were to Glacier National Park, Canada and Copper Harbor, Michigan. She also loved cats, especially her black cat, Buddy Boy. To the end of her life, she maintained her zest for living and her appreciation for nature's beauty. We will miss our beloved mother and grandmother greatly. Survivors include one son, Roger (Linda) Eshleman, of Van Nuys, CA; three daughters, Joan E. Velde, of Sterling, Diane Walkup, of Tacoma, WA, and Lori Eshleman, of Tempe, AZ; two grandchildren, Pamela (Bill Salyan) Coons and David Eshleman. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Mabel "Mibbs" and her half-brother, Harold. A memorial service and private internment of her cremains will take place at a later date. Cremation rites have been accorded. Arrangements were made by Schilling Funeral Home. A memorial has been established to Happy Tails Animal Shelter. Condolences may be sent to www.schillingfuneralhome.com.