Joy “LaVerne” Donavan

Joy “LaVerne” Donavan passed away peacefully November 7, 2015. 

LaVerne was born October 11, 1932 in Trousdale, Kansas to Myrl C. Corbet and Marietta Asher Corbet. LaVerne attended school in Trousdale where she graduated from Trousdale High school in 1950. LaVerne excelled in both cheerleading and basketball. August 15th, 1950 LaVerne married the love of her life, Edward Rudd Donavan, also known as Eddie or Ruddy. Together the couple moved to Dodge City and had three children; Michael Rudd, Shyrlene, and Douglas Todd. LaVerne was full of joy which she shared with others. The friends she made growing up and as an adult have stayed with her throughout her life. LaVerne took great pride in her three children. She supported them in their activities and throughout their lives. With her support Mike excelled in baseball and bowling; Douglas Todd excelled in wrestling and football, and Shyrlene in music with her trumpet. LaVerne’s love of sports carried on throughout her life. She and Ruddy never missed a game; they attended high school and college games, as well the National Junior College basketball playoffs in Hutchinson every year. LaVerne was President of the American Baptist Women’s group for many years, and was a member of the First Baptist Church in Dodge City for most of her life. There she was active in circle and all three of her children were baptized in the church. Sadly, LaVerne’s mother passed away when she was only 11. Her mother’s sister Fern took LaVerne under her wing and curled her hair every week, which meant the world to her. LaVerne lived with her aunt Fern and uncle Earl and her cousin Lanny for a couple of years growing up. Lanny was like a brother to her. 

LaVerne is survived by her children; Shyrlene (Tom) Graf, Michael (Debbie) Donavan and their son Lance (Nayibe) and their children Gisela, Paris, Aiden, and Nate, Todd (Tammy) and their children Matthew and Emma. LaVerne is also survived by two brothers: Jim and Ron Corbet. LaVerne is preceded in death by her husband Edward, parents Myrl and Marietta Corbet, and brothers, Larry and Douglas. Funeral services will be 10:00 am Friday, November 13, 2015 at Ziegler Funeral Chapel, Dodge City, with Rev. Dick Robbins officiating. Visitation will be Thursday from 10:00 am to 8:00pm at Ziegler Funeral Chapel. Burial will be at 2:00 pm Friday at the Belpre Cemetery, Belpre. 

The family suggests memorials to Halcyon Hospice in care of Ziegler Funeral Chapel, 1901 N. 14th Ave., Dodge City, Kansas 67801.