Lavern Larue

LaVern (Stillwell) LaRue passed away on Monday, February 18, 2019, at her home in Stockton, at the age of 104. She was born on May 28, 1914, in Osborne County to Grover and Luella (McCall) Stillwell. LaVern married Arthur LaRue on August 3, 1932 in Stockton. They were blessed with five children: Donnie, Elna, Donna, Thelma, and Delwin. Arthur passed away June 15, 1956 in a car accident. LaVern grew up on a farm in the Layton, Kansas area. Being the oldest of four children, she helped raise her younger brother and sisters when her mother passed away. She raised her own family by working as an interior decorator. She also cleaned the Methodist Church for many years. Her family was her life. When you would leave she would always say, “All I ask is that you be careful.” LaVern was a member of the Rebekah Lodge, V.F.W. Auxiliary, and Crossroads Quilters. Everyone can attest to her quilting as we all have a beautiful quilt made by her. LaVern is survived by her children, Donnie LaRue and wife Virgie of Cortez, CO, Elna Kollman of Stockton, Donna Swaney of Stockton, Thelma Shover of Lakewood, CO, and Delwin LaRue and wife Linda of Stockton; 12 grandchildren, Jody and Jeff LaRue, Jack (Sheryl) Kollman, Chris (Ginger) Kollman, Angie Kollman, Matthew (Dawn) Rush, and Carla (Dave) Chaffin, Rick (Debbie) Swaney, Ronda (Kevin) Morgan, Ray (Correna) Swaney, Johnna (Scott) Middleton, and Zac (Sara) Shover; 27 great-grandchildren, Shay, Stevi, and Lane LaRue, Brett (Kiana) Kreutzer, Jacque (Wade) Inglsbee, Julia (Chad Look) Kollman, Brandon Kollman, Amber (Jeff) King, Grant (Kian) Kollman, Nathan, Katie, Nick, and Kyle Kollman, Amelia Kollman, Heather (Zac) Pittman, Daniel and Kelsey Chaffin, April (Justin) Kinney, Jon Marsh, Bryan (Mara) Morgan, Taylor (Justin) Nelson, Jesse Swaney, Josh (Taylor) Swaney, and Janessa Swaney; 19 great-great-grandchildren, Malaki Harris, Brodie and Brynlie Kreutzer, Owen Inglsbee, Caroline King, Asher and Zane Pittman, Lila, Annalee, and Allie Kinney, Jack Morgan, Avery Nelson, Maddy, Jessa, and Raylyn Swaney, and Gracie, Brody Mae, Kelsey, and Ethan Shover; 3 great-great-grandchildren on the way; sister LaVada Campbell of Colby; sister-in-law Mary Stillwell of Marysville; and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband Arthur; brother Maurice Stillwell; sister Maxine Hoey; sons-in-law Connie Kollman, Jack Swaney, and Gary Shover; grandsons Dean and Kerry Kollman; and granddaughter Melinda LaRue. LaVern had a deep love and devotion for her family and friends, second only to God. Her great love and faith in God was not only a constant source of strength for herself, but also for all who knew her. Although she has now gone home to be with her Lord, the legacy of her love, laughter, and joy will live in our hearts and memories forever. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her, but the celebration of her life and memories will forever remain. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 23, 2019, at 2:00 P.M. at the United Methodist Church in Stockton. There will be no public visitation. Burial will follow at the Stockton Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Quilts of Valor – V.F.W. Auxiliary or KU Medical Center Pulmonary Hypertension and may be sent in care of Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 N. 1st, Stockton, KS 67669.