KOSTELNY, Violet Flora (Vi)

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ January 22, 2008 Violet Flora Kostelny, 72, died Friday, Jan. 18, 2008, in Show Low. She was born April 17, 1935, in Moab, Utah, to the late Felix and Violet Murphy. Violet is survived by her husband, Edward Kostelny; two sons, Randy Kostelny and Edward "Eddie" Owens Kostelny; two sisters, Mary and Emy. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 22, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, 110 S. Main Street, in Taylor. Owens Mortuary of Show Low handled the arrangements. For those who have special memories and would like to send private condolences or sign an online guest book visit www.owensmortuary.com. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ January 25, 2008 Violet Flora Kostelny, 72, died peacefully at home in the early morning hours of Jan. 18, 2008, after a long battle with illnesses. She was finally willing to let go and float to the heavens to be with her sons' guardian angel. Vi was born in Moab, Utah, to the late Felix and Violet Murphy, but she had made her mark in Show Low for the last 42 years. She married her loving husband, Edward Kostelny, 44 years ago in Phoenix and together they had two very special sons, Edward (Eddie) Owen and Randolph (Randy) George, who have called the mountain "home" their whole lives. It was her sons that inspired Vi's passionate life's work, which was dedicated to improving the lives of developmentally disabled individuals of the White Mountains. She founded White Mountain Special Olympics when her sons were young, as well as the White Mountain Association for Retarded Citizens. She operated a group home and a thrift store that employed the developmentally disabled. She served on committees and boards of directors serving this population. She received numerous awards and commendations for her work. Most importantly, Vi influenced many special people and was very dearly loved "in her prime," as son Randy states. Son Eddie says "Eddie misses you Mom, because he loves you in all our hearts." Violet is survived by her beloved husband, Ed, as well as those truly precious and special sons, Eddie and Randy. She leaves behind her sisters, Mary and Emy, and brother Felix Joe. The entire White Mountain population of developmentally disabled individuals owe a huge credit to this remarkable woman with a tender heart and a fighting spirit who waged many battles on their behalf. A memorial service was held Tuesday, Jan. 22, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Taylor with Owens Mortuary handling the arrangements.