June 17, 1931 ~ February 11, 2019
Lavona Marie DeVore, age 87, passed away in Denver, CO on February 11, 2019. Lavona was born in Anthony, KS on June 17, 1931 to Perry and Lydia Frieouf. She grew up on the family homestead farm in Renfrow, OK. The Oklahoma land and her family’s Czech heritage always remained in her heart. Lavona treasured family, children, and friends. She studied nursing at St. Francis Catholic Hospital in Wichita, KS. While a student in Wichita, Lavona met Donald C. DeVore, her beloved husband of 66 years, on a blind date. After marrying in November 1952, Lavona moved to Casper, WY, where she worked as a labor and delivery nurse. Lavona moved to Denver, CO in 1954, where she raised a family and continued her nursing career. In Denver, Lavona worked as a Registered Nurse in every aspect of the life cycle: first as an obstetrics and gynecology nurse, then as a school nurse at Cherry Creek West Middle School, and later in elder care at the Aspen Siesta nursing home. A life-long avid gardener, Lavona was a member of the Cherry Hills Garden Club. Her fascination with genealogy led to tracking down distant relatives in the US and the Czech Republic. In 1993 she was thrilled to travel to Prague with her daughter and sisters to meet some of the Czech relatives and visit her grandfather’s hometown of Cekov near Pilsen. Lavona was an extraordinarily kind, loving, supportive wife, mother, and grandmother. Lavona never met a person who didn't like her. People liked Lavona because she was so sincere in liking them and her willingness to help them. She offered a kind word and a helping hand to everyone she met. Lavona is survived by her husband, Donald C. DeVore, sons Darwin (Suzan) of Camas, WA, Richard (Denise) of Loveland, CO, daughter Patti of Denver, CO, and four grandchildren. She is also survived by her three siblings: Delores (Frieouf) Lawrence of Elizabeth City, NC; Joan (Frieouf) Adams of Tucson, AZ; and Gerald Frieouf of Renfrow, OK.
A memorial graveside will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday June 22, 2019 at the Czechoslovakian Cemetery in Caldwell, KS. A Celebration of Life will follow at 11:30 a.m. at the Caldwell Opera House, Caldwell, Kansas.
Lavona’s trademark was her sweet nature and kindness toward everyone. In lieu of flowers, the family would like to honor Lavona’s memory by asking that you brighten someone’s day with a kind word and a smile or by donating to the National Arthritis Research Foundation.
Leave Condolences
Condolences
So sorry
Debbie Kolarik ... - 02/17/2019
I am so sorry to read this. Even though I do not remember Lavona very wel.I remember her as being gracious as her mother was. Hard to read that another cousin has passed. There are so few of us on the Albert side anymore. My prayers go out to all of you .
Comments