Obituary of Violet Louise Tabler

Violet Louise Nivin Tabler, 94, passed away peacefully January 1, 2023. She was born on December 18, 1928 in Meridian, Texas to Mary and A.C. Nivin. She graduated as Valedictorian from Meridian High School in 1946 and ventured north to the University of Iowa at the invitation of her beloved Uncle Herbert, a mathematics professor there. While at the University of Iowa, she met the man of her dreams, L. Earl Tabler, Jr. Sadly though, as Vi liked to tell the story, Earl was “otherwise engaged” at the time. Thus, after two years in Iowa, she transferred home to attend the University of Texas in Austin, from which she graduated with her Home Economics degree in 1950. Fortunately, and perhaps as planned, absence did indeed make the heart grow fonder, and Earl and Vi married on August 19, 1950. Vi returned to Iowa City to support Earl while he completed his Civil Engineering degree. After graduating in 1952, Earl and Vi moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a place they called home for almost 30 years. After nurturing their self-described ‘engineering projects’ of Brenda Carol and Laura Lynn, Vi embarked upon her teaching career in earnest. She reigned supreme over the Home Economics Department at Moon Senior High School for many years and was lovingly known as “Aunt Vi” by the many young men in her Bachelor Arts classes. Brenda and Laura are quick to acknowledge that their Mom was far more popular among their classmates than they ever were. Vi retired from teaching in 1982 to join Earl on their next great adventure in the Philippines, where he was working. They shared a storybook year there, enjoying everything Manilla had to offer. Upon returning to the states, Vi brought back treasures to adorn their new home in Clifton, Texas. Among them, a full-sized brightly painted ice cream cart with the “Tablers” on it, a tall brass parrot lovingly named Makati and a wooden carved tower of elephants. Vi’s life in Clifton was full. She had always loved attending auctions and garage sales, which led to the establishment of “Many Things,” the banner under which she and Earl sold her findings at local antique malls and in Canton, Texas’ First Monday sales. Vi loved to play any kind of card games and enjoyed countless hours doing so with family and friends. She was an active member of the Clifton Presbyterian Church. When Earl’s health was failing, she reluctantly pulled up stakes and moved to the Highland Springs retirement community in Dallas to be closer to Brenda and Laura. Earl passed away on December 31, 2007, 14 days after the move. They had been married for 57 years, and he was the irreplaceable love of her life. Vi lived happily in Highland Springs for over 14 years, enjoying all life could offer there. She was a regular at the bridge table; as an avid reader, she led many lively discussions in the Third Act Book Club; and she regularly shared her gift for the written word with the Memory Writers. But it was her love of poker night that was unsurpassed. Many an unsuspecting Highland Springs resident left the table not knowing exactly what happened. She offered her Many Things expertise to the Treasure Chest sales, and she served for years on the Entertainment Committee, which included planning for her favorite annual New Year’s Eve party. She proudly hosted her family at the Annual Gala and supported the silent auctions. Her last year’s at Highland Springs were challenged by many illnesses and injuries. With the help of loving caregivers, she was able to remain in her home and continued to participate in everything she could. She was the epitome of “keep on keeping on” – one of her well-used expressions. In June 2022, Vi moved to a care home in Plano, where she continued to write letters and cards to friends and loved ones, even sending Christmas cards for the 2022 season. To the very end, her face would light up when family came to visit. She celebrated her 94th birthday with her family on December 18th. The photograph capturing her final champagne toast will be forever treasured. Vi was preceded in death by her parents, Mary and A.C. Nivin, her husband, L. Earl Tabler, her sister, Nita Joyce Nivin Swartout, and many nieces and nephews. She is survived by her daughters, Brenda Carol Tabler Gray-Whatley (husband Don Whatley) and Laura Lynn Tabler Wheat (husband Douglas Wheat); her grandchildren, Adam Boyer Wheat, Erica Nicole Gray Tuscano (husband Michael Tuscano), Mary Cassandra Wheat Uptmore, Ryan Dennis Gray (wife Rachel Pierce) , Kyler Douglas Wheat, and Tanner Nivin Wheat; her seven great-grandchildren, Landon Bauer Uptmore, Violet Jane Tuscano, Lily Summerlin Gray, Gray Harper Tuscano, Alexander Douglas Uptmore, Virginia Rose Gray, and Jon Rhett Tuscano; and many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to be made to the T. Boone Pickens Hospice and Palliative Care at https://www.forefront living.org/giving-opportunities/.