Violet Lee (Peterson) Cropper, 85 of Bella Vista, AR formerly of Forrest passed away Friday March 13, 2009 at 8:54 pm, at Northwest Medical Hospital, Bentonville, AR.

Violet was born August 25, 1924 in Floyd County, VA, the daughter of Percy and Bessie (Spence) Ballinger. She attended school in Floyd County, VA and graduated from Radford Community College, Radford, VA. She married Ernest L. Peterson who passed away in 1975. She later married Samual Cropper who passed away in 2004. Also preceding her in death was her youngest son Thomas L. Peterson who passed away in 2005.

Surviving are her children; Melvin (Sharon) Peterson, Monee, IL, William (Lana) Peterson, Fairbury, Laura E. (Peterson) Cousins, Bella Vista, AR, three grandchildren; Tom Peterson Jr., Bella Vista, AR, Steven and Stephanie Peterson both of Overland Park, KS.

Violet was a grade school teacher in Floyd County, VA and later worked for Westinghouse and General Electric Corporation in Chicago, IL. She was a PTA President in the Park Forest area schools along with being a Girl and Cub Scout Leader. Later in life she worked as a Medical Tech for Pontiac Correctional Center after the riot in 1978. Some of her favorite hobbies were sewing, Knitting, quality cooking and her love for Pedigreed Cats. She was a member of the United Methodist Church and a proud member of the Daughters of The American Revolution. After spending time traveling she retired in Bella Vista, AR.

Cremation rites have been accorded and a private family inurnment will be held in Oak Hill Cemetery, Chicago, IL at a later date. She will certainly be missed by all who were touched by her life and loving smile.