Violet Mae Vanbuskirk

Obituary

Violet Mae VanBuskirk

April 22, 1942 – June 14, 2023

Violet Mae VanBuskirk, a woman of unwavering faith and boundless love, peacefully left this world on June 14, 2023 at Hot Springs Health in Thermopolis, Wyoming surrounded by her family including: Dee, JJune, Michael, Candy, Benito, Lori, R-eyonna, Lylianah, Gabrionuh, Javier, Janisa

Jen, Anthony, Peighton, Xavian, Matea, Brooklynn, Myah, Paula, Carol and many other friends who came to visit in her last hours.

Violet was born on April 22, 1942 in Buffalo, Wyoming. She was the fourth of seven children born to Laurence Lindzy and Iva Geraldine (Long) Devoe, better known as "Shine" and "Jerry".

She attended school in Kaycee, Sussex and Linch. In 1958, she married Kermit Floyd Coates; to this union two daughters were born, Deanna Kay and Juanita June. Kermit passed in 1983. She met John Edward VanBuskirk "Eddie" in 1985. The couple married in 1986. They ran the Flying Dutchman Bar in Glendo, and lived there until moving to Thermopolis in 1995. They purchased Granny's Liquor, renaming it "The Flying Dutchman". They were together until Eddie's passing in 1998. Her motto at the Dutchman was "A stranger is just a friend we haven't met yet." And boy, did she make friends; she adopted half the town of Thermopolis! Violet attended The River Church in Thermopolis.

She had a heart as big as Wyoming. She loved you for who you were, no judgement passed. If you needed her, she was there. Her daughters didn't bring home stray dogs, but they did bring home stray children. Violet "adopted" each of them. You all know who you are. She loved each and every one of you. Violet cared for her aging parents, moving them to Thermopolis where she made a home for them until they passed. Violet often said, "When I go, I'll have a fork in my hand because I know the best is yet to come." Her steadfast belief in a brighter future filled her days with hope and optimism.

She also loved to dance and later found great joy riding in the sidecar of her daughter's motorcycle, where she perfected her pageant wave.

Violet was preceded in death by an infant son, Kippy, her parents; husband, Eddie; brothers: Larry, Leonard; sisters: Jessie Devoe, Charron VanBuskirk, Mildred June Iriberry; grandsons, Joseph Jones and Anthony Simmons.

Survivors include daughters, Dee Singlestar and JJune Simmons; grandchildren: Michael Coates/Norcutt, Raymond Norcutt, Amber Simmons/Wallin, Dustian Coates, Angela and Krystal Muller; multiple great-grandchildren, and her youngest brother, John Devoe.

Violet Mae VanBuskirk's departure leaves a void that cannot be filled, but her legacy of love, faith, and compassion will forever inspire and guide us. May she find eternal peace in the arms of Jesus. She touched the lives of so many with her selfless acts and compassionate spirit. Her memory will forever remain etched in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her.

Cremation has taken place and a last ride with The Christian Motorcycle Association will be arranged. Online condolences may be made at www.bryantfuneralhomeonline.com.