Violet Mary Robbins' Obituary
REMEMBERING….
Violet Mary Robbins was born July 5, 1928 to William and Lillian Robbins and grew up with seven siblings in the city of Yakima, Washington. In the early 1950’s, Violet met Rev Sannie Davis, a graduate of Patten Bible College who introduced her to the work and ministry of Dr. Bebe Patten in Oakland, California. Rev Davis and Violet prayed for the Lord’s guidance and both felt that Patten Bible College was the place for Violet. She entered the college in 1959 and graduated three years later.
Violet was one of those special people who are called to be “helps” and for over sixty years, Violet did what she could to help in Dr. Patten’s work. For many years, Violet served each Sunday in the vestibule of her church, Christian Cathedral, where she greeted people, answered questions, dispensed earpieces and cough drops, and generally did whatever needed to be done. She also served for a time in the church nursery each Sunday., freeing parents so the could enjoy the services.
An employee of Patten Academy for 45 years, Violet served as school secretary where she greeted, collected tuition, extracted splinters (at which she was a master), took care of a hundred other things, and on occasion, taught a class. Also, as a faithful member of Dr. Patten’s weekly classes (and early computer user), Violet provided information on the topic being discussed and took class notes which she copied for those who had been absent. And even though she was mostly wheelchair-bound in her latter years, Violet still served weekly as a member of the church’s “Keeping in Touch” ministry by calling, checking on members, and recording prayer requests.
On Christmas day, Violet celebrated Christmas by going home to be with Jesus. She counted it a privilege to be a servant in God’s house, and her faithfulness, quiet spirit, and happy smile will be greatly missed. She reminds us of the woman Jesus commended by saying, “She has done what she could.”
Violet was preceded in death by her parents and brothers Robert and Richard. She leaves behind sisters Vivian Ruddick, Darlene Kern, Evelyn Fleming, Linda Gall and brother Dean Robbins; many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews as well as her Christian Cathedral family who loved her and will deeply miss her. Truly, Violet was a woman who tirelessly worked for the Lord and did what she could.
What’s your fondest memory of Violet?
What’s a lesson you learned from Violet?
Share a story where Violet's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Violet you’ll never forget.
How did Violet make you smile?