LaVerne May Weissenfels

1929-2015

LaVerne May Weissenfels passed away on Monday, March 30, 2015 at Kadlec Hospital in Richland, WA surrounded by her family.  Mom was born April 11, 1929 in Asotin, WA to Frank and Bertha Kruse.  She was the oldest of four children; sister Marie and brothers Bob and Carl “Bud” Kruse.  She attended High School in Asotin, WA and Lewiston, ID.  

LaVerne met the love of her life, a young man from Anatone, WA, Kenneth Floyd Weissenfels.  They were married on September 16, 1945 in Clarkston, WA.  Three children were born to Ken and LaVerne; sons, Gary and Ron, and daughter Colleen.  Ken and LaVerne celebrated their 69^th wedding anniversary last September.

The family enjoyed many family reunions with brothers, sisters and aunts and uncles and the yearly trips to Kelly Creek in Idaho where fun and fishing became the norm.  They also made many visits to the “40” where they had property in the Blue Mountains.

Ken and LaVerne lived in Clarkston, WA early on and she worked at the small neighborhood grocery store.  In 1957 the family moved to Craigmont, ID where LaVerne worked for the local photographer.  In 1960 the family relocated to Lewiston, ID and remained there for three years before finally calling Richland, WA their home.  LaVerne and her husband became members of the Richland Temple Baptist Church and loved their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

LaVerne’s interests included casting porcelain figurines and firing them in her kilns.  She also hand painted each piece with her own design and shared her creations.  Later in life she learned the art of Brazilian Embroidery.  Most recently she became very adept at crocheting, creating numerous afghans for her family and church friends. 

LaVerne is survived by her husband, Ken, son Gary (Lee) of Pomeroy, WA, son Ron (Barbara), and daughter Colleen (Bob) Barnett.   She is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, her sister Marie Weissenfels, and brother Carl “Bud” (Nubuko) Kruse and numerous nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by both her parents, brother Bob Kruse, and a grandson Alan Plank.

A graveside service will be at Sunset Gardens (915 By-Pass Highway, Richland, WA) on Tuesday, April 7, 2015 at 12:30 pm and a memorial service at Temple Baptist Church (4555 Arena Road) in Richland, WA at 2:00 pm with a reception following.  Contributions can be made to Temple Baptist Church.

We love you forever mom and one day will be with you again.  You have fought a good fight, you have finished your course, and have kept the faith (II Tim 4:7).