Viola Jones Phippen

Viola Phippen, 82, of Stuart, Iowa, formerly of Anita and Audubon, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Monday, June 29, 2026.

Viola Vesta was born on May 9, 1944, in Anita, Iowa, the daughter of Elmo Verle and Eva Anna (Hyen) Exline. Growing up she worked at the family’s grocery store, Exline Grocery. She was on the basketball team and graduated from Anita High School, Class of 1962.

In May of 1962, she married Ronnie Feltner and the couple settled in Audubon, except for a short time in Dumas, Texas, where they raised their children. While in Audubon Viola was a cook at the Summit Steakhouse, Audubon Golf & Country Club and at Audubon Elementary School.

Viola later married Archie Jones and they made Stuart, Iowa, home. She worked at Country View Estates as a cook until her retirement. Archie passed away in October of 2021. In 2023, she married Virgil Phippen, whom she met at her church.

Viola was an active member of Friends Church in Stuart, including serving as treasurer and secretary, queuing the recorded music to play for services, and making countless pies for various fundraisers. Her faith was strong and she centered her life around serving her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Viola enjoyed the traveling she did through the years, her favorites being Yellowstone National Park and a recent trip to Noah’s Ark and the Creation Museum for her honeymoon with Virgil. She had a large collection of antique tin cans displayed throughout her home. Viola was an excellent cook, but even better baker! Her pies were incredible; apple crumble and strawberry rhubarb were what everyone hoped she had made. Viola took a lot of pride in keeping her yard looking nice, her beloved magnolia tree being the centerpiece. Her home was also known in the community as having a miniature farm with a Potbellied pig, cats (all of which had names), Shetland ponies, mini goats and Bantam chickens. She was still mowing and tending her gorgeous flower beds until just a few months prior to her passing. It would be hard to remember a time that you were at her home when the old stereo wasn’t on, Charley Pride and Merle Hagaard were her favorites.

Viola was only 4’ 8 1/2” (and don’t forget the half) but the quote under her picture in her yearbook was perfect for her, Dynamite comes in small packages! A milestone in the kids, grandkids and great-grandkids life was when they stood beside her and were finally taller.

Viola’s children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will always be thankful for her dedication to always being present in their lives. She will be deeply missed by her husband, Virgil Phippen; daughters, Lori (Don) Murphy, Michelle Evans, Jennifer (Matt) Keyes and Rebecca Jones; son, Darrin Feltner; nine grandchildren, Heather (David) Erickson, Keith (Ty Hull) Feltner, Tabitha (Spencer) Sothman, Echo (Nate) Hanika, Courtney (Casey) Slaikeu, Christopher Schrader, Tye (Tamara) Leslie, Jeannie (Greg Luna) Feltner, Taylor Feltner, and Haley (Taylor Grotto) Murphy; 20 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; and extended family.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Elmo and Eva Exline; husband, Archie Jones; sister and brother-in-law, Judy (Richard) Boyer; and brother and sister-in-law, Ronnie (Pam) Exline.

Visitation with the family present will be held from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 1st at Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, July 2nd at the Anita Community Center in Anita, Iowa with Reverend Mickey Carvour of Friends Church in Stuart, Iowa, officiating.

Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery in Anita. The family welcomes you to join them for lunch and fellowship following the services.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Viola’s family and her arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.