Vivian Ione Bradford Hess, 87, of Eau Claire died peacefully at home with her family at her side on Saturday, December 2, 2006. She is now with her Lord and Savior running with angels on streets made of gold. She was born at home in Elk Mound, Wisconsin on December 4, 1918, to Melvin and Ida (Myers) Bradford. Vivian attended Eau Claire Senior High School where she was active in the marching band and played beautiful music on the alto saxophone. She graduated in 1936.\r\nVivian worked for the US Government during WWII and later joined Uniroyal working from 1942, retiring in 1968. "Viv" has owned and operated Bill's Last Chance, Inc. since 1973.\r\nShe was a member of the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Eau Claire Women of the Moose Chapter #557, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 53, Senior Center, and the "1918 Club". Also active as a volunteer for the Senior Citizens Nutrition Program delivering Meals on Wheels. Vivian's interests and hobbies included ceramics, reading, crossword puzzles, caring for and helping others as well as tending her beloved pets who she is picking up at the "Rainbow Bridge" on her way to heaven.\r\nVivian is survived by her daughter, Vicki L. Hess of Eau Claire; son, William D. (Della) Hess of Reno, NV; a brother, Harold Lloyd (Marlys) Bradford of Branson, MO; three grandchildren, Angela (Glen) Christensen and William B.(Grace) Hess both of Reno, NV, and John P. (Lil) Hess of Eau Claire; four great-grandchildren, William, John, Taylor, and Kayci of Reno; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.\r\nShe was preceded in death by her husband Bill; her parents; and three brothers, Marvin, Clare, and LaVerne "Bing" Bradford.\r\nVivian's beautiful smile, her twinkling blue eyes and easy manner warmed many hearts. She was a kind, gentle woman with a keen sense of humor. She was always there with a helping hand and will be truly and dearly missed by her family and friends.\r\nWe miss you Mother, Gramma, Sister and Aunt. We look forward to meeting you at the Throne of God. We know that when we open our eyes in heaven you'll be there waiting for us. \r\nFuneral services will be held at 10:30 a .m. on Thursday, December 7, 2006, at Lutheran Church of The Good Shepherd with Pastor John E. Hosmann officiating. Burial will be in Waneka Cemetery in the town of Spring Brook, Dunn Cty. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home and one hour prior to services Thursday at the church.\r\nFamily requests memorials be directed to "Just Because" at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 1120 Cedar St. Eau Claire, WI 54703\r\n

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