Lavonne Nelson (Orchard)

Funeral services for Lavonne Mae Nelson, age 80, of Orchard, will be Monday July 18, 2011 at 10:30 AM at the United Methodist Church in Orchard with burial in the Royal Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday at the Church from 5-8pm. Pastor Eric Ford will officiate. On July 14, 2011, Lavonne passed away suddenly at Faith Regional Health Services, with her family by her side.

Lavonne Mae Nelson was born on September 23, 1930 to Elmer Kenneth and Edith Mary (Green) Lichty on a farm near Brunswick. She grew up in the Brunswick, Royal, and Page areas. Lavonne graduated from Creighton High School in 1948. She obtained a teaching certificate from Wayne State College and taught in several country schools, even teaching her own sister.

Lavonne married Harvey Gene Nelson on November 23, 1958 at the Methodist Church in Royal. To this union four children were born: John Geoffrey, James Lee, Michael Gene and Mary Jane. They made their home on a farm Southeast of Royal and then moved to Orchard in 1983.

Lavonne spent a good portion of her life tending to the needs of her mother-in-law and later taking care of her own mother. She was known by most for her spectacular cooking and baking skills. The neighbors all looked forward to the silage cutting or corn shelling at her house to get a taste of her fried chicken or scalloped corn. The younger ones would tag along for the bars and cookies. Nobody left her house hungry.

Lavonne spent several years helping out at the Lunch Box having the pleasure of working along with some of her granddaughters. She was a member of the Help-U-Club, an avid reader of the Harlequin Romance collection and cherished her angel collection. Lavonne spent much of early years tending her garden and flower beds. There was always a fresh bouquet on her table. She would look forward to her weekly hair appointment at Judy's Beauty Shop, because she always wanted to look her best.

The most important thing in Lavonne's life was her family. She went to the limit to prepare any meal for the family, especially at Christmas. She thoroughly enjoyed spending time with each and every one of her family members, especially being able to watch her grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow. They would brighten her day and never leave without a kiss on the cheek and hug good-bye.

Lavonne is survived by her children, John Nelson of Orchard, James(Sara) Nelson of Verdigre, Michael(Candace)Nelson of Orchard, and Mary(Chris) Williby of Royal. Grandchildren: Lisa Nelson of Orchard, Larissa Nelson of Grand Island, Lucas Nelson of Ewing, Kyna (Andrew) Schmidt of Sioux Falls, SD, Brandon, Carter, & RaeLynne Nelson of Verdigre, Heather Jackson, Landon Nelson, Kinzly and Eli Macke, Jessica(John) Shaver all of Orchard, and Anthony Williby of Royal & his Fiancé, Andrea Hemenway of Orchard. Great-Grandchildren: Tessa Nelson, Aubrey & Autumn Jackson, Jason & Jaelyn Shaver all of Orchard and Krayton & Akryn Schmidt of Sioux Falls, SD, a sister Betty(Loren) Hergert of Verdigre and Brother-in-law Clarence Goebel of Washington, nieces and a nephew.

She was preceded in death by her husband Harvey in 2007, her parents, grandparents, two brothers, a sister, a sister-in-law and two nephews.