Viola M. Crum

Viola Crum, 67, of Maryville, Missouri, passed away on April 30, 2024, in her home. There will be a Celebration of Life in Maryville at a later date.

She was born in Kansas City, MO on May 25, 1956, to Viola and Robert Milburn, along with her twin sister Robin. She was one of 9 children, the others being Robert, Sharon, Lynn, Virginia, William, Russell, and Kenneth.

She graduated from North Nodaway High School in Hopkins, MO in 1974. Later in life she continued her education, earning a CNA as well as other business and infotech certificates from Northwest Technical School. She had many jobs throughout her life, from restaurants to nursing homes to convenience stores to factory work. Her time working at Northwest Missouri State University and the University of Missouri Extension Office were the most enjoyable of her career stops.

On January 18, 1975, she married Mike Albright, and the pair had 2 children, Matthew in 1979 and Carly in 1982. The couple lived in Hopkins and then moved to Mike’s childhood farm just on the other side of the state line in Iowa. After they divorced, she moved to Maryville, where she stayed the rest of her life. She married Bill Crum of Bedford on December 24th, 1999, after their daughter Katherine was born in 1990. After their divorce she remained in Maryville.

Gardening was one of her passions later in life, she took pride in her flowerbeds and strived to make them look good. She was fond of movies and TV, enjoying the escapism they offer. Old westerns from her youth brought her comfort, and she was always ready to rewatch Lord of the Rings or Game of Thrones, as high fantasy was a staple for her. She loved animals, having many dogs and cats and birds and especially tropical fish. Most of all she enjoyed her grandchildren, they lit her up like the Christmas holidays she loved so much, they always stayed at the top of her mind.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and her siblings Virginia, Lynn, Robert, Kenneth, and Robin. She is survived by her son Matt Albright, of Gladstone, MO, and his children Colin Albright and Victoria McKeon; her daughter Carly Keller of Maryville, MO and her 4 children, Keaton Albright, Kyara Keller, Kaylyn Keller, and Kai Keller; her daughter Katherine Crum, of Maryville, MO, and her son Dante Ponder; and 2 dogs, Joker and Willow.

Services are under the direction of the Bram Funeral Home, Maryville, Missouri.