She lived all her life in the Russell area. She was a homemaker and for a number of years worked as a cook for a rural school district as well as for the Russell area school district. The family moved from the farm to Russell in 1980.

Viola was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Ladies Circle at the church and Germans from Russia.
She was preceded in death by: her parents and one brother Leo Victor Mai.

Survivors include: her husband, one son, Gerald Bender, Russell; two daughters, Lois Cave, Marysville, Washington; Eileene Bender, Topeka; four brothers, Walter Mai, Great Bend, Clarence Mai, Wichita, and Earlin and Howard Mai, both of Russell; one sister, Wilmetta Deutsch, Hoisington; and one grandchild.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 9, at St. John Lutheran Church, Russell, with Rev. Henry Hartman officiating.

Burial will be in Russell City Cemetery, Russell.
Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, March 8 at Pohlman's Mortuary, Russell and from 9:30 a.m. to service time Saturday at the church.
Memorials are suggested to St. John Lutheran Church, or School of Nursing in Hays, either in care of the mortuary.