Violet Haltiner

With a life that spanned nearly a century, Violet Haltiner wove a beautiful tapestry of moments shared with those she loved. She was a woman who was content in all things and laced her every thought, word, and deed with kindness and gentleness. Life was not always easy for Violet, but she possessed an unwavering faith that carried her throughout her entire journey. She treasured her family and viewed being a grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother as her greatest reward. The life Violet lived each day exemplifies what it means to be a woman of grace, compassion, and humility. The timeless legacy she leaves behind will be carried on by those who follow her.

If one could turn back the hands of time to the year 1912 they would reveal a much different America than the one we know and love today. Issues such as unsafe working conditions and a lack of child labor laws were commonplace in cities and town all across our great land. This was the time of ballroom dancing and hit Broadway stars such as Fannie Brice and Bill “Bojangles” Robinson. This same year brought great anticipation to one young couple from Hillman, Michigan, as they were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby. They were in for a Christmas present of the very best kind as it was that very day when their healthy baby girl was born. Baby Violet was one of two children born to her parents, Alpha and Rosie (Baur) Allen, and was raised in the family home alongside her sister, Eva. She and her sister were very close and lived in a little house in Hillman together during their high school years. Violet was deeply saddened with Eva’s death from scarlet fever when Eva was just 20 years old.

New and exciting changes were in store for Violet when she met the young man with whom she would share the best years of her life. His name was Murriel Haltiner, and the couple was quickly with one another. Deeply in love, Violet married her sweetheart on December 25, 1930, at Hillman Methodist Church. The newlyweds later moved from Hillman to Alpena where Murriel’s father built them a home on French Road. They were thrilled to become parents to two wonderful daughters, Delores and Lucille, and one son, Allen. This home was not only where Murriel and Violet raised their children, but also where she cared for her mother after her mother’s husband died. In addition to their beautiful home, Violet and Murriel were the proud owners of a cottage on El Cajon Beach for many years.

Throughout her life there was nothing more near and dear to Violet’s heart than her family. She loved traveling to Louisiana on three separate occasions with her son and then to visit her daughter, Lucille, in Alabama. There were also numerous very special adventures shared with her granddaughter. Violet’s granddaughter, Heidi, took her to see her old “homestead” in Hillman where Violet delighted in sharing a piece of her past with such a precious piece of her future. The two even got out of the car and went up to the door to ask if they could go inside, but were disappointed when no one was home. From the outside of the house Violet was able to show her granddaughter the very room she was born in. She loved taking rides along the Hillman/Rust mail route, reminiscing of old times along the way. Violet also loved going on adventures with her granddaughter who moved to Maui when her granddaughter shared countless photos and cards with her, making Violet feel as though she was right there, too.

There were so many things that enriched Violet’s life. She was a member of First Church of God, the WCG Missionary Society, the Golden Agers, and the Friendship Club of the Free Methodist Church. Violet was also part of the Gray Ladies at Alpena General Hospital and was a foster grandparent at Hinks School during her younger years.

Not long after her mother died Violet sold her home and joined the family at Luther Manor. She adjusted to her new surroundings with ease and loved living in her cute little apartment and meeting so many people who lived nearby and became great friends. Although she underwent surgery on both of her feet and complete replacement of both her knees, Violet always recovered beautifully. As her needs became greater she moved to an adult foster care home, Morrison’s AFC Home, where she was welcomed into an amazing family of women and caregivers who made her so very happy.

A woman who was truly beautiful on the inside and out, Violet Haltiner was a blessing in the lives of those around her. She fully embraced the days she was given while deeply loving the family and friends she cherished. Violet will be deeply missed and warmly remembered.

Violet Haltiner died on May 2, 2012. Violet’s family includes her two daughters; Delores (William) Hanson, Lucille (Ivan) Dault, a son; Allen (Angela) Haltiner all of Alpena, eight grandchildren; Pamela MacArthur, Tamyra Hanson, Eric Hanson, Ivan Dault, Kevin Dault, Kurt Dault, Heidi Haltiner, Scott Haltiner, 14 great-grandchildren, and 15 great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a sister, Eva L. Allen and two great-great grandsons. Violet Haltiner is at McWilliams Funeral Home – Alpena where friends may call on Friday from 2:00-8:00 p.m. and on Saturday, May 5, 2012, at First Church of God from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Catherine Sprowl officiating. Interment will be at Evergreen Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to First Church of God. Please visit Violet’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory or sign the on-line guest book.