Violet June Rask O'Dell died peacefully on August 22, 2022, surrounded by family and abounding love.

Violet June Rask was born to Mary Elizabeth Murray and Nesum John Rask on June 8, 1929. She was the eldest and only daughter born to the Rasks of Monroe Street in Butte, Montana. She was later joined by brothers John, Edward, Nesum (died at birth), and Robert.

Violet grew up in the melting pot that was Butte. Her grandparents immigrated from Lebanon and she was raised in the Lebanese community where hospitality was celebrated.

Vi graduated from Butte High School and enjoyed a brief singing career in uptown Butte nightclubs, under the management of her cousin, Lovey Mckael. She had a beautiful voice and enjoyed singing both at home and publicly. It was in a nightclub in uptown Butte where she met Matthew Thomas O'Dell, an FBI agent from Iowa, who was stationed in Butte. She stole his heart and, after receiving clearance to date a nightclub singer, he asked her on a date. They were married on May 20, 1952. Rumor has it, Matt's was not the only heart stolen during her early singing career.

Following a honeymoon trip to Little Rock, Arkansas, where Matt had been assigned, the couple decided to return to Butte, and Matt submitted his resignation.

Matt and Vi built a home together and began a family on Bayard Street. The two welcomed their first son, Daniel Thomas, who lived only five days. Eventually, Matt and Vi welcomed five additional children, Michael, Robert, Patricia, Kevin and James, all of whom survive. After the birth of their last child, Matt built a house next-door to their first home, where their family grew and thrived. The couple celebrated 58 years together, before Matt's death in 2010.

Violet was a pillar of strength and believed that her family was the firmest foundation. She prided herself on being a homemaker and was her family's matriarch, perfectly modeling her roles as a wife and mother. Her children knew they always had a warm home to return to, delicious meals to nourish them, and a loving embrace to sustain them. Many were the friends and relatives who were welcomed into Vi's home, at her table, and into her heart. Those who visited were filled by both her caring presence and beloved Lebanese food.

Violet joined the Note-a-bells, a women's acapella chorus group, and spent many memorable years providing entertainment throughout southwestern Montana. She took pride in her performance and enjoyed bringing music and celebration everywhere, including a once-in-a[1]lifetime trip, singing in Italy and Austria.

After she was widowed, Vi began volunteering at the Butte Food Bank. Her years of service were an integral part of her life and she looked forward to her "job" there. She loved helping those in need, and the friendships she made lasted throughout the remainder of her life.

Vi spent the last year of her life making new friends and reconnecting with old at The Springs in Butte. The people she met while living there added to the beautiful repertoire of people Vi loved and cared for right up until the end. Her last words to her family were, "I love every one of you with my whole heart. I'm so proud of you all."

Vi is survived by her children, Mike (Melissa), Bob (Pam), Patti (Dion), Kevin, (Shelley), Jim (Amy); grandchildren & great-grandchildren, Ashleigh & Matt Clark, Sofia & Keira; Kevin & Bridgett O'Dell, Ava; Max O'Dell, Hallie; Mikey & Mikenna O'Dell; Sam & Josh Beckett, Connor; Bridgett & Alex Beal, Harrison & Benjamin; Kieley & Cassandra Cassidy, Calvin & Colin; Kaelyn & Caleb Taylor, Nola & Tru; Maggi Cassidy; Hannah & Luke O'Dell; Jimmy & Bobbi O'Dell, Ian & Mykie; her brother, Bob Rask, cousin, Linda Skinner, many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. She was surrounded by love!

Services for Vi will take place at St. Ann Parish: Friday, August 26, Vigil at 7:00 PM, and Saturday, August 27, Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM. A reception will follow each service at the parish center and the family warmly invites all to share in the hospitality that was such a vital part of Vi's life. Vi's final resting place will be at Holy Cross Cemetery next to her husband, Matthew. Internment will take place with her family at a later date. Memorials may be made to: Ray Murray Scholarship Fund at MT Tech, Butte Food Bank, or Rask Family Memorial Fund at https://www.raskmemorial.org.