LaVora was born June 17, 1923 in Amherst Township near Henrytown to A. Leslie and Flora (McKay) Turner. She attended theHenrytown School and graduated from the Canton High School. On June 28, 1941 she married Dale Knudsen. Dale passed away March 12, 1999. They lived on the Knudsen Farm near Lenora, and for LaVora she has resided there for 75 years. For 17 years she was a cook at the elementary school in Canton.
LaVora was a member of the Newburg United Methodist Church where she was active with the United Methodist Women, was the organist for 50 years, served on the church board, and the cemetery board. She was a member of the Lenora Leaders, three quilting clubs, and the Thursday Lunch Bunch in Canton. She enjoyed working on her lawn and gardens, and her cats, Tuxedo and Sweet Pea.
LaVora passed away Wednesday, June 15, 2016, less than two days before her 93rd birthday, at Green Lea Senior Living in Mabel.
LaVora is survived by three children Jerry (Sharon) of Houston and their children Karen and Ross, her late son Jim’s children Darin, Jill, and Jodie, Steve (Peggy) of Lacrescent and their children Tricia and Tara, and Jeneane (Jim) Rushton of West Concord and their children Kiel, Kelby, and Lesley; fifteen great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Dale; her son, Jim; and siblings John, Audrey, Arden, Dale, and Deane.
A special thank you to LaVora’s friends and neighbors, and to Green Lea Senior Living for their exceptional care during her short stay.
Funeral services will be 11 AM Monday, June 20, 2016 at the Newburg United Methodist Church in rural Mabel with the Rev. Jim Rushton, officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be 4-7 PM Sunday, June 19, at the Mengis Funeral Home in Mabel and one hour prior to services at the church. |
