Violet Marie Dillon Seastrom, 88, passed away on October 6, 2026 after a life filled with family, friendship, and a lifelong personal devotion for greyhounds. She was surrounded in love from the friends, family and caregivers who visited her the last few days and with her two daughters by her side.
Violet was born December 21, 1937, in Topeka, Kansas, to Ruth Carter and Guy Dillon. She grew up in the North Topeka area, graduated from Seaman High School and later worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company.
In August 1967, Violet married John Seastrom. Together, they lived in Burlingame, Kansas, where they began what would become a lifelong passion for racing greyhounds. Their love of the sport took them to Colorado and Florida before they eventually settled in Abilene, Kansas. There, they established the foundation for what would become Seastrom Kennels.
Violet and John were married for 26 years and had two daughters, Tracy and Tonya. Though their marriage later ended in divorce, the years they spent together building their greyhound business became an important part of Violet’s life and legacy.
The greyhound business brought Violet much more than a livelihood—it brought her lifelong friends. She enjoyed the camaraderie, competition, and many evenings spent playing cards and gambling with friends she made through the racing world. Those friendships remained an important part of her life.
But Violet’s best friends were always her sisters and sister-cousins and she would move back to Topeka to be closer to all of them before eventually living out the remainder of her life in Abilene. Family was at the heart of her life, and the bonds she shared with them were among her most treasured relationships.
Violet spent her final years in assisted living, where she greatly appreciated the kindness, care, and attention she received from the caregivers. She was grateful for the warmth and support they brought to her life.
Violet had many passions. She enjoyed planting flowers and taking pride in watching them grow. She was an avid KU basketball fan and could often be found cheering on the Jayhawks. Most of all, she loved being a mema and watching her grandchildren compete in their various sports. She especially loved the “cousin” competitions, because they gave her another reason to see her family, spend time together, and cheer everyone on. Those family gatherings and the time spent together were some of her greatest joys.
Violet is survived by her two daughters, Tracy (Craig) Wildey and Tonya (Sean) Mills; her grandchildren, Aldyn (Michael) Allen, Colton (Erica) Mills, Cade Mills, Carter Wildey, and Cooper Wildey; and her great-grandchildren, Ryker Mills, Riley Mills, and Kamari Allen.
She is also survived by her siblings, James (Jeannie) Dillon, Tom (Mary Louise) Dillon, Susie (Rick) Schauff, Patty (Kim) Vickers, Jerry Lee (Sandi) Dillon, Kathy (Rod) Glessner, Ken (Ellie) Dillon, Dennis (Angel) Dillon, Danny Penn, Gary (Sue) Penn, and Larry Brill.
Also, fondly remembering Violet are numerous cousins, nieces and nephews from the Dillon and Carter families.
Violet was preceded in death by her sisters, Sally Hisey and Debbie Lindsley, and her brother, Darrell Wayne Dillon.
Violet will be remembered for her love of family, her loyalty to greyhounds and the greyhound business, her love of flowers and KU basketball, the lifelong friendships she formed through racing, and the countless memories she created with the people she loved. Whether gathered around a card table, sitting in the stands watching her grandchildren compete, or simply spending time with her sisters and cousins, Violet treasured the people who made her life special.
Her family will forever cherish the laughter, stories, traditions, and memories she leaves behind.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Topeka, Kansas, with details to be announced.
Her final resting place will be Rochester Cemetery in Topeka where she will once again be surrounded by family for eternity.
Memorials can be made to Abilene Homestead and dropped off or mailed to Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home, 414 NW Third ST., Abilene, KS 67410. Online condolences may be sent to www.martinbeckercarlson.com