Violet Louise Witte, age 98, left this world peacefully on October 21, 2016, to be reunited with her beloved Jim, her husband of 60 years. Violet "Vi" was born on August 7, 1918, in Mattoon, IL, to Cynthia Aldridge Austin and Edward Thomas Austin. In her youth, she was active in church activities and Girl Scouts, becoming the second Girl Scout to earn an Eagle badge in Mattoon. She graduated from high school in Mattoon, and worked as a secretary for Carter Oil. Vi met her future husband and love of her life at a USO dance at Chanute Air Force Base in Illinois. Vi and Jim were married on September 28, 1946, in Hollywood, CA, at Bethany Lutheran Church. Vi and Jim operated an alfalfa ranch west of Lancaster, CA, for many years. In addition to being a farm wife, Vi worked as a secretary. Later, while recovering from an illness, Vi went back to school and obtained her Associate of Arts degree at Antelope Valley College, her Bachelor of Arts degree at San Fernando State College, later known as California State University, Northridge, and a Master's degree in school administration from Pasadena College. Upon graduating with her BA degree in the early 1960s, Vi was able to fulfill her dream of becoming a teacher. She taught third grade at Tamarisk Elementary School in Palmdale, CA, for 25 years. After retirement, Vi and Jim moved to Clovis, CA, to be near their son, Jeff, and his family. Vi enjoyed many years of travel around the globe with Jim. She also enjoyed playing bridge and family activities. She was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Clovis, CA. Vi is survived by her son, Jeff Witte and his wife Sandy; grandson, Justin Witte and his wife Nicole; granddaughter, Fallon Muir and her husband Nick; great-grandchildren, Riley Muir, Jaxson Witte, and Kynsi Witte. Vi was preceded in death by her beloved husband Jim; her parents, Edward and Cynthia Austin; brothers, Harold Austin, Richard Austin and Wayne Austin; sister, Rosena Austin; and great-grandson, Connor Muir. A Memorial Service will be held at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 785 N. Fowler Ave., Clovis, CA, on Saturday, November 5, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that remembrances be made to the Emmanuel Lutheran Church Youth Program.