LaVera M. Tonn, 96, of Haven, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024, at Hospice House in Hutchinson. She was born on August 20, 1927 in Cheney, the daughter of Herman D. and Lola (Garnett) Meyer.
She was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Cheney. She was united in marriage to Karl M. Tonn on Oct. 9, 1949, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Cheney. He preceded her in death on Oct. 5, 1992. She was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Haven, where she played the organ for more than 60 years. She felt blessed to serve as church secretary for more than 25 years.
After graduating in 1946 from St. John’s College, Winfield, LaVera worked for a law firm in Kansas City, Mo., as well as a law firm in Wichita before her marriage. After her marriage, she was a devoted homemaker and farmer’s wife, and enjoyed sewing and reading. She worked for 22 years at Yoder State Bank, retiring as a vice president.
LaVera is survived by her children, Ronald (Cynthia) Tonn of Wylie, Texas, and Janice Benson of Laramie, Wyo.; four grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and her brother, Kenneth D. (Barbara) Meyer of Plano, Texas.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and son-in-law, Timothy Benson.
Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, Feb. 2, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Haven. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Family will greet friends from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 1, at Ott Funeral Home, Haven. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church or Hospice House of Hutchinson in care of Ott Funeral Home, PO Box 217, Haven, KS 67543.