Viola was born on a farm in Lindsay Nebraska, to her parents, James and Mary Jane (Roberts) McPhillips. She had three older brothers; Earl, Lawrence and Thomas and a sister named Margurette C. After Viola three more brothers were born; Edward, Everett and Donald. Margurette died at age two so Viola was the only girl raised with six brothers. She was a very pretty girl and a well-to-do friend of the family wanted to take her to Hollywood to become a star in movies but the family declined the offer. She went to Catholic school. She and the family enjoyed going to the local dances. She learned to play the piano as her mother had. At age 16 she went on a double date with friends to a movie and for a hamburger, but instead, they crossed the state line. She and 18 year old Clay Petersen were married. Her parents were upset and at first they let it ride as Viola became pregnant right away. However, when it was clear that Viola was not getting the help she needed they had the marriage annulled (or arranged a divorce) and brought her home to have her baby. She had a little girl, who they named after the deceased sister, Margrette Anne. When her daughter was two, Viola married Al Barrett who was a butcher. During the Depression his employment was cut so they decided to move to Washington State. Viola went to work in a paper factory but got ill and then pregnant. Her second daughter, Charlann Lynn, was born. After 15 yrs. of marriage they divorced. She remarried later to Bill Baake. After some years, they also divorced. Much later, she married Ernest Smith. This marriage lasted until his death. They lived together in Santa Monica, California for 30 years. Viola played Bingo and was very talented in sewing. She enjoyed the Hollywood environment and loved the Academy Awards. She and Ernie played organs together. Family was always the primary focus for her and she kept in touch as best she could by phone. She also loved gambling. She said she was quite successful in Vegas, always winning enough to pay for the trip. Viola was wise in her older years, deeply compassionate and witty. Ernie died first, then Viola developed cancer and it was inoperable because of her emphysema. She died from the emphysema. Her daughters brought her back to Washington where she died.