On June 26, 2025, Violet Wetzel returned to the source from whence she had come, with her family by her side at home. She was born on March 11, 1936 in Philadelphia, PA, the fourth of ten children, of the late Thomas C. and Violet (Milnes) Gray.
“Vidie”, as she was known in her youth, grew up in the small university town of Newark, DE and graduated from Newark High School with honors in 1954. She completed a year of nurse’s training, then married a U.S.Marine, William “Bill” Wetzel and worked with rudimentary computers at Camp Pendleton. Subsequently, they moved to State College, PA and started a family. Following Bill’s employment with DuPont, they raised 3 children in Mansfield, OH. Once her children were in school, Violet enrolled in courses at the new branch campus of OSU, eventually earning a B.A. in Psychology, magna cum laude. She eagerly continued her education in “Program 60” well into her eighth decade of life.
Her career as a caseworker at the Richland Co. Dept. of Health and Human Services spanned 27 years. In 1981, she helped start the AFSCME Local 1295 Labor Union. In 1992, Violet married Rev. Fred Gaston and entered a golden decade of travel and outreach, focusing on her lifetime membership with the NAACP, where she served as an officer and the education liaison. Violet was actively engaged in many progressive, charitable organizations in her journey of service, receiving “humanitarian” awards that reflected her passion for helping others. Her integrity, insightfulness, and generous spirit set an example for many and impacted myriad lives.
As a 64 year member of the First United Methodist Church, she chaired committees, taught Sunday School, and acted as a lay leader at the annual conference in Lakeside. For decades, she served on the Mayor’s Human Relation Commission which included coordinating cross-cultural events, such as an educational workshop with the local Islamic community, and interviewing prospective police officers. Violet also served on the Richland Co. Board of Health, once as President, completing 36 years in 2024. Other groups that benefited from her activism include: the Democratic Party (voter registration), the Interfaith Church Council, the InterCounty People for Peace (nuclear freeze), the Ecumenical Institute (global diversity), the Hedges Food Buying Coop (co-founder), and the Ohio Hunger Task Force. Violet carried a deep conviction that it is our social responsibility to work for greater justice. As a two-time cancer survivor, Violet also contributed to the advancement of medical treatment by participating in clinical testing trials.
Violet was a voracious reader, possessing a profound curiosity and desire to learn. She also enjoyed gardening and collecting rocks/minerals/fossils as an amateur geologist. Violet enthusiastically explored genealogy and celebrated her Quaker heritage. She will be remembered for her keen sense of humor and wit, delivered with a sparkle in her eyes! The singular greatest joy in her life was the arrival of and relationship with her granddaughter, Sarah Violet. “Grandy” taught her to be fiercely independent and courageous, a citizen of the world.
Violet is survived by her beloved daughters and granddaughter, Jane Wetzel Jako, Andrea (Jim) Holmes, and Sarah Violet Jako, as well as sisters Norma Welch and Sharon Knudsen, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her dear son, Daniel Wetzel, Bill Wetzel, Rev. Fred Gaston, and siblings, Thomas Gray, Thelma Jezyk, Emma Lou Gray, Georgiana Mackay, Nancy Slutter, David Gray, and Stephen Gray. Violet was treasured by many and will be deeply missed.
A memorial service will be held on July 17 at First United Methodist Church on the Square in Mansfield. Visitation will begin at 3:00pm, with a service starting at 4:00pm and refreshments following. Interment will be private. Her family would like to thank the many friends and health care providers who extended support to Violet, including the Hospice of Western Reserve. Donations in memory of Violet may be made to the ACLU at 1-888-567-ACLU or online at ACLU.org.
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Home
Website: www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com