Viola Mae Bernhardt

Viola Mae Bernhardt, 91, went to her heavenly home on May 17, 2026 in Duncan, Oklahoma.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am, Saturday, May 23, 2026 at the First United Methodist Church in Marlow, Oklahoma with Pastor Mike Bernhardt officiating. Burial will follow at the Marlow Cemetery under the direction of Callaway-Smith-Cobb Funeral and Cremation Services of Marlow.

Viola was born on September 1, 1934 in Marion, KS to Harry and Edna (Schroer) Dody. She graduated from Marion High School and went to work with the local telephone service. Viola married Billy Jay Bernhardt on June 14, 1953 in Marion, and the two spent many years moving around the country as part of Bill's military service. Viola and Bill eventually planted their roots in Duncan after purchasing Sooner Trailer in 1970. Viola and Bill raised three children and shared over 61 years together before Bill preceded her in death.

Viola spent her career both caring for her family's household and working as the office manager with her husband at Sooner Trailer. She enjoyed interior design, especially making flower arrangements and decorations to brighten the atmosphere. She was a great cook, and she loved getting to spend time with her kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids. Viola was an active member at her church; she was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Marlow and later became a long-time member at the First United Methodist Church in Duncan. Viola was also active as a volunteer with the Duncan Regional Hospital for many years. Her presence will be deeply missed.

Viola is survived by two sons, Mike Bernhardt (Cindy) and Steve Bernhardt; daughter, Cindy Felchlin (Chris); grandchildren, Carrie Dickerson (B.J.), Billy Jay Bernhardt (Lindsay), Will Bernhardt (Arielle), Cole Bernhardt (Emery), Kate Hamstra (Stephan), Jake Felchlin, and Alex Felchlin; and great-grandchildren, Riley Dickerson, Reese Dickerson, Michael Dickerson, Avery Bernhardt, Clarke Bernhardt, Finley Bernhardt, Wren Bernhardt, Ruby Bernhardt, Wells Bernhardt, James Bernhardt, Willow Hamstra, and Oliver Hamstra.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Edna Dody; husband, Bill Bernhardt; three brothers, Glenn Dody, Gail Dody, and Donald Dody; two sisters, Doris Penner and Jean Callaway; and her grandson, Jacob Bernhardt.

Pallbearers will be Michael Dickerson, Avery Bernhardt, Will Bernhardt, B.J. Dickerson, Billy Jay Bernhardt, and Finley Bernhardt.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Viola's honor to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Internet: www.stjude.org

Mail:
ALSAC/St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
501 St. Jude Place
Memphis, TN 38105

Online condolences may be made at www.CallawaySmithCobb.com