Viola L. Strong McIlwain, 90, of Roaring Branch, PA and long-time resident of Newelltown was peacefully called home to Heaven on Tuesday evening, January 24, 2017, at the Bradford County Manor, Troy, PA.

Viola Louise, "Bo" to family and friends, was born August 28, 1926 in Ralston, PA, one of six children
of the late Theodore and Roberta (Transue) Spencer. She was a member of Canton High School's graduating class of 1945.On Aug. 27, 1971, she married Theron McIlwain in the Newelltown United Methodist Church.With blended families, they made their home on the Leolyn Valley Farm. Viola was a great help to Theron in seeing to the daily operations of the dairy and they received the recognition of Dairy of Distinction. A woman guided by her love for the Lord, Viola was an active member of the Newelltown United Methodist Church for many years. Most recently she enjoyed attending the Ward United Methodist Church and supported their Comfort Quilters group.Viola also was very involved with the Grover Cemetery in Canton Twp. for many years and was a member of the former Carpenter Grange No. 454.

Family meant everything in Voila's life.She was the matriarch of the family and the glue that kept it all together.Always loving and supportive, she was the biggest fan of her grandchildren and great grandchildren's activities and she prayed all her loved ones would know God.Christmas was her favorite time of year; putting other people first and making sure everyone in the family received a gift.Viola was a wonderful cook and baker.Their door was always open to anyone for assistance, a cup of coffee or a sweet treat.In earlier years Viola was an avid hunter and fisherman.

Surviving are her children; Jean (David) O'Conners of Roaring Branch, Stanley (Sue) Strong of Canton, Antoinette "Tonie" (Mike) Hall of Blossburg, Johanne (Phil) Rockwell of Canton, Greg (Jana) Strong of Roaring Branch, William F. "Bill" McIlwain of Cogan House and Sheila (Ron) Clementoni of Hughesville. 24 grandchildren, step grandchildren and their spouses; Kim (Bob) Petrowski, Larry "Chip" (JoAnne) Tarbox, Shane (Tasha) Tarbox, Shawn (Shannon) O'Conners, Mandy Foust, Gabriel (Stacy) Strong, Miranda (Mark) Wiehagen, Teri (Mike) Bailey, Phillip Boinske, Damon (Lindy) Boinske, Bart (Lisa) Clementoni, Leslie (Chris) Lordi, Teresa (John) Brackman, Trisha McIlwain, Jordy McIlwain, April (Matt) Bispeck, Shannon Seitzer, Sarah Rockwell, Luke (Sarah Rose) Rockwell, Cotie (Hillary) Strong, Leah Strong (Jeremy Lake), Aaron
(Holly) Lineberry, Nicki (Kirk) Lefelhoc and Shannon Hall.
Numerous great grandchildren which included four sets of twins, step great grandchildren, eight great-great grandchildren. A brother and sister; Robert E. (Jane) Spencer of Trout Run and Bonnie Spencer of Florida, sisters-in-law; Dorothy Jane Wevodau of Harrisburg, Jackie Spencer of Alba, Iris Berguson of Mansfield and Eleanor Wooster of Roaring Branch, many nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to her husbands; Stanley D. "Chick" "Dee Dee" Strong on Aug. 8, 1960 and Theron O. McIlwain on July 1, 2004, she was predeceased by three siblings, Daniel (Patricia) Spencer, Theodore Spencer, Joyce (John) Dowling.Two sisters-in-law and a brother-in-law; Sally Ward, Althea Williams and Carlton "Carty" Wooster. Also a special friend, Janet Segur.

Calling hours are 2 – 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 29, at Pepper Funeral Home, 578 Springbrook Dr., Canton.
Mr. Dennis Vermilya will officiate the funeral service at 4 p.m.Burial will be Monday in Arbon Cemetery, Blossburg, PA at the convenience of the family. In Lieu of flowers, those who wish may consider a memorial in Mrs. McIlwain's name to Comfort Quilters c/o
474 Furman Rd. Canton, PA 17724.
Share condolences at www.pepperfuneralhomes.com