To the family of Lavon,

I was so saddened to hear of Lavon's passing. She was a dear lady always full of optimism and good humor. She was a delight to work with and a special lady in every sense of the word. She will be dearly missed by those who knew her. I send you my deepest condolences.

Karen Hyde Hoffman

Veda never ceased to make me smile on each visit. She particularly seemed to enjoy remarking about how often I colored my hair or changed how I styled it, always trying to do something new. My most memorable experience with her took place just this last summer. As I was leaving her house, she asked, "Austin, do you go to the gym?" Being really proud of how fit I thought I had gotten I couldn't help but remark, "I have, I've been working really hard and am finally lifting some pretty big weights! Thanks for noticing." I was smiling as I felt proud of being noticed and thought my hard work must really be paying off. Without hesitating or missing a beat she said, "Good, would you mind taking out my trash? The bin is across the alley and I know you could lift that bag much easier than I could." I couldn't help but laugh and smile from ear to ear as I walked through her backyard with that full bag of trash. I always looked forward to stopping at Veda's house as she talked to me like an equal. I even stopped by on my own time and sat and just chatted about life, school, politics, and romance for what seemed like minutes, only to find I had been there for almost 2 hours. She was an amazing person and always had a remarkable gift for making anyone feel welcome and appreciated. Just days before her passing, I recall sitting with her as she told me she didn't understand being on hospice. "I don't understand what all the fuss is about, but oh well. Apparently I'm not allowed to be here alone. Ha, that's a joke!" Veda was a strong person and someone I wish I could have spent more time getting to know and hearing life's lessons from. The world is a little darker with her absence and she will be sadly missed.

Austin Hartel, Respiratory Care Specialist Juro's Home Medical-Pharmacy

I met Lavon while working at Crowley. I think she first thought I was a young whippersnapper and we had nothing in common. Luckily, my desk was next to hers and I was able to win her over when we discovered a common love of cats that started a dialogue about many other things. When Lavon discovered that I walked to work in below zero weather, she began driving by my house to pick me up. I told her not to bother, but she was a very determined lady. I'd find her waiting outside my house with the warm car running on very cold mornings. I will always remember her kindness, her unmatched and wonderful sense of humor, and those lovely cookies she baked! I kept in touch with Lavon for several years after I moved away from Montana but sadly we lost touch. For all the many times I thought of her, missed her and meant to get back in touch with her, I now truly mourn her loss.

Cindy Kesel