Viola Roberts

Viola Minnie (Dralle) Roberts, 99 of Grundy Center Iowa, passed away on Sunday, March 3, 2024, at her home in Grundy Center. Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 10, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Abels Funeral and Cremation Service, Engelkes Chapel in Grundy Center. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 11, 2024, at the American Lutheran Church in Grundy Center. Those planning an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the Viola Roberts Memorial Fund at 1253 St Andrews Avenue, Waterloo, IA 50701

Viola was born on May 25, 1924. She was baptized into the Lutheran faith on August 10, 1924, and confirmed her faith on April 10, 1938. She was united in marriage with Vernon Roberts on April 23, 1949. Viola operated the Dralle Cafe in Bristow, Iowa at that time and their first home was an apartment above the cafe. They then moved to a farm in Grundy Center on March 1, 1957, and continued farming until 1984 when they retired and moved to town. Vernon and Viola became guardians of their three nieces, Connie, age 5, Mary, age 4 and Susan 6-months, when their mother, Lucille Cassmann, Viola's only sister, passed away in April 1957. She began her catering business in 1973. Viola was best known for her delicious pies. The "Pie Lady,” was a name given to her by her family when she was 80. At the age of 95 she was still going strong. Her mother always said  “work never hurt anybody”.   Her work ethic and attention to detail are legendary.  She loved dancing, antiquing, going to Red’s late model races, camping, teaching her grandchildren to fish, playing cards and her favorite pastime was spending time on her front porch with family and friends.

Viola is survived by her three daughters, Connie Hensley of Waterloo, Mary Block of Grundy Center, Susan Halfpop of Phoenix, Arizona; daughter-in-law Alice Dralle Behrends of Evansdale; 9 grandchildren, Rick Dralle of Waterloo, Bruce Dralle of Evansdale, Brian Dralle (Paola) of Porto Pozzo, Italy, Wyatt Hinders (Amy Jo) of Webster City, Austin Hinders (Amy) of Grundy Center, Alicia Hinders of Grundy Center, Brett Halfpop of Show Low, Arizona, Adam Halfpop (Jaime) of Gilbert, Arizona and Chad Halfpop of Gilbert, Arizona; 15 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; along with numerous nieces and nephews.  She is preceded in death by her parents Henry and Lottie Dralle; husband Vernon; son Lester Lee (Red); grandson Michael Lee; her sister Lucille; and brothers, John, Albert, Harry, Leo, Vern, Floyd, Leland, and brother in infancy. We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Cedar Valley Hospice and Dr. Eric Neverman for the loving care they gave to our mother.