Vivian Wohlhueter Deffendall, 93, passed away peacefully, Tuesday, May 24, 2011  at Gibson General Skilled Nursing Facility. 

Born Sept. 30, 1917  in Maunie, Ill., she was the daughter Kate and Fred Wohlhueter.

She was one of nine children. Vivian moved to Princeton when she married Howard Deffendall. She retired from Midstates Rubber Co. after many years of service.  She was a life member of the Maunie United Methodist Church and a devoted attendee to the Hillside United Methodist Church in Princeton. 

Viv was a member of the Wesleyan Sunday School class and loved the lessons, outings and their company.  She was willing to help with any duty in the church. Viv especially looked forward to peeling apples for the church's apple pie fundraiser every year at Golden Heritage Days. 

Vivian took pride in taking care of her yard and her flowers.  She loved being outside and spent many hours on her porch waving to friends.  Vivian's warmth and friendliness made family, friends, and strangers smile.  Her enthusiasm for life and her boundless energy was admired by all who met her.  She was happiest when she was visiting with family and friends.

She is survived by her daughter, Janice Frashier of Carmi, Ill.; sons, Kenny (Marilyn) Staley of Mascoutah, Ill., Tony (Krista) and Farley (Terri) Deffendall of Princeton;  stepdaughters, Clara Steiner of Anchorage, Alaska and Kay Harris of Dallas, Texas; sister, Irene Millikan of Urbana, Ill.; brother, Gerald Wohlhueter of Evansville; grandchildren, Gary Evans, Becky (Mark) Stanley, Susie Ellison, Doug (Karin) Evans, Dale (Peggy) Staley, Didi (Mark) Haley, Shellie (Greg) Kyle, TJ, Kayna, Casey, Cody Deffendall; stepgrandchildren, Rod Steiner, Ronda (Chip) Dodd, Lisa (Tom) Dickson, Tracy Steiner, Casey (Yvette) Harris, Kelly (Brian) Arnold, Becky Majors, Brenda (David) Hicks, Terri (Terry) Wilson, Kelly (Joyce) Deffendall, Devin Deffendall; 43 greatgrandchildren; 14 greatgreatgrandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and her special friends, Ruth Stevens and Ruby Wolfe.

She was preceded in death by her father and mother; her husband, Howard Deffendall; her brothers, Gilbert, Cyril, Vic, Oscar and Ralph Wohlhueter; sister, Agnus Gunter;  stepsons, Don, Rick and Russ Deffendall; grandson, Mike Evans; and stepgrandsons, David and Keith Steiner.

 The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Gibson General Hospital for their care, love and support.

 A service celebrating Vivian's life will be at 11 a.m. Friday, May 27, 2011 at Doyle Funeral Home, 520 S. Main St., in Princeton with the Rev. Brian Cook officiating. Internment will take place in Big Prairie Cemetery, near Carmi, Ill.

Friends may visit with the family from 4-8 p.m. Thursday, May 26, 2011.