Viola Mae Adams, lovingly known as “Vi” to many and “Rena” to those who loved her most, was born on June 2, 1944, in Sunman, Indiana, to Henry and Marie Bechtel (née Klein). She was a proud graduate of Sunman Consolidated High School, Class of 1962.

Viola was united in marriage to Dennis Hunter on October 11, 1965 in Savannah, Georgia, and together they had three loving children. Dennis and their cherished son, Brian, preceded Viola in death. Later in life, Vi met and married Harrison Adams, Jr., on September 15, 1978, in Peoria, Illinois. Together, they created a loving blended family filled with joy. While living in Peoria, Vi drove a school bus for Peoria District 150 for more than 15 years. After moving back to the Sunman area, she served as a dietician at The Waters of Batesville for more than 22 years.

Vi was larger than life. She loved her family, watching hummingbirds, playing cards and board games, reading, working puzzles, playing the Cash Man penny slot machine, scratching lottery tickets, shopping at garage sales, and even “garbage picking.” While raising her children, she enjoyed weekends boating on the Illinois River, traveling to Florida to visit her brother and enjoy the beach, hosting gatherings, celebrating large family holidays, and spending time with family, laughing and enjoying each other’s company.

Vi had a goofy side and could be a little gullible at times, which only added to her charm. She found great joy in talking on the CB radio, where “Freckles” was her CB handle. She also enjoyed bingo and was a member of a Tuesday night bowling league known as “The Fab Five.” Vi loved her 1977 Monte Carlo, which remained her favorite car for many years, until she purchased her Camaro Rally Sport. She also enjoyed cooking, and her fried chicken and potato salad were legendary among family and friends, who frequently requested them for gatherings and special occasions.

On Sunday, August 23, 2026, at the age of 82, Viola passed away peacefully.

Those surviving who will cherish Vi’s memory include her children, Bill (Shelly) Adams, Jake (Ricky) Adams, Barb (Chris) Day and Bev (Don) Sullivan; two sisters: Alice (Cliff) Riehle and Rosie (Larry) Weber; grandchildren: Brian Kilgus, Luke Adams, Donny (Jesse) Sullivan II, Tyler (Jessica) Kilgus, Tara Adams, Rico Adams; bonus grandchildren, Sam (Allen), Ashley (Ryan), and Anthony; great grandchildren, Brooklyn Kilgus, Donny Sullivan III, Hunter Sullivan, Oliver Kilgus, Olivia Sullivan; as well as bonus great grandchildren, Lily, Easton, Ari, Ada and soon to be Houston.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 29 at Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home of Sunman, 107 W. Vine Street, from 11 a.m. until the time of service at 1 p.m. with cremation to follow.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Autism Speaks of Midwest Ohio. Donations will be accepted in person at the visitation, or they may be made online at their website.

To share a fond memory, leave a personal condolence, or to sign the online guestbook, please visit www.cookrosenberger.com. The staff of Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home are honored to care for Vi and her family.