Viola Ruth (McBay) Chenoweth

Viola Ruth (McBay) Chenoweth, 83, passed away peacefully at her home in Palmyra on Tuesday, September 26, 2017.  She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Violet McBay, her husband, Richard and her sister, Jean.

Viola is survived by her children Rick Chenoweth, of Colorado; Debra  (Chenoweth) Crum and husband Doug, of Hummelstown and Lisa Chenoweth, of Palmyra; a grandson, Jesse Rhinesmith; two great-granddaughters, Lilly and Heidi; niece, Dawn Harter and nephews, John Blackburn and David Blackburn, of Illinois, beloved cousins and friends in Newfoundland and her cat Sammy. Also surviving are a brother-in-law and many nieces and nephews through marriage that were a treasured part of her Chenoweth family.

Viola was born in St. John’s, Newfoundland on December 26, 1933. She grew up in St. John’s and graduated from Prince of Wales College in 1951. Soon after graduation she met, fell in love with, and married U.S. serviceman Richard and began life as a military wife traveling throughout the United States.

Over the years they were stationed in Texas, Massachusetts, Maryland, Ohio, Alaska and Washington State. While living in Alaska she became a United States citizen. In 1970, Richard retired from the Air Force and they settled in Palmyra.

She always treasured her Newfoundland roots and returned as often as she could to visit with long-time friends and family. On her last trip in 2013 she had the opportunity to tour most of the island which she had never done before.

Viola enjoyed bowling in her younger years and belonged to a league and like many homemakers of her time she was a skilled seamstress. She enjoyed traveling around the country with the Piano Technicians Guild, of which her husband was a member, took many trips with the Areba Club of Hershey, and toured Ireland with friends.  In recent years, she liked to play dominoes with her beloved friends of the Birthday Club and take drives around Central Pennsylvania with her dear friend Olive. 

She was employed by the Hershey Medical Center until her retirement in 2001 and was a member of Grace United Church in Hummelstown where she volunteered at the Food Bank and assisted with the Sausage Sale at the Hummelstown Arts Festival.

Viola was a kind and loving person who easily made friends. Many who came in contact with her were instantly taken by her sweet nature, and she will surely be missed by all.

A viewing will be held Monday, October 2 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Rothermel-Finkenbinder Funeral Home, 25 W. Pine St., Palmyra, Pa.  On Tuesday morning, October 3, a viewing will be held at Grace United Methodist Church, 433 E. Main St., Hummelstown, Pa.  from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.  A Memorial service at the church will follow at 11:00 a.m.

Memorial gifts may be made to Homeland Hospice of Harrisburg or Grace United Methodist Church in Hummelstown.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.FinkenbinderFamily.com

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