Violet M. (Lawson) Sutton

Violet M. Sutton, 94, of New Carlisle, passed away on Friday, January 29 after a gratifying and fulfilling life. She was born on  August 6, 1926, in Aurora, Illinois, to Robert & Crystal Lawson, who preceded her in death. Shortly after her birth, Violet's parents moved their family to South Bend, Indiana, where she happily grew up with her younger sister, Harriett (deceased, 2005).

In 1944, Violet graduated from James Whitcomb Riley High School. Not long after graduating, she met her future husband, William E. Sutton, on a blind date. That blind date was also a double date and Violet and William weren't paired up together! However, after they met on that "first date", they only had eyes for each other and, on November 2, 1946, they were wed. They were married for 67 loving years before William's passing on February 6, 2014. Violet and William had two devoted children together, William R. Sutton of New Carlisle, who survives, and Rebecca A. Sutton, who passed away on February 16, 2008.

For 13 years, the Sutton family owned and operated Smokey's Drive-In in Buchanan, Michigan. After selling Smokey's, Violet, her husband, and their son started a new joint venture together and, in 1975, opened what is known today as The Village Shoppes, Inc. Violet worked at that business for 41 years, during which time her son took over as sole proprietor and president (and their treasured pet, Bella, was appointed chairman of the board.)

Contributions in honor of Violet's memory can be made to the New Carlisle Community Food Pantry, P.O. Box 135, New Carlisle, IN 46552, or to a charity of the donor's choice. A gathering to celebrate Violet's life will be planned for a time when the current social restrictions due to the pandemic have been relaxed. Online condolences may be left at www.kaniewski.com.