Obituary: LaVon McKenna

LaVon McKenna 1927 ~ 2007 LaVon McKenna, 80, our dear, loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and most of all, our friend, died peacefully Saturday, March 24, 2007 at home with her family nearby. Lavan was born March 4, 1927 to Hazel Hollist and Thomas Bert McArthur. She was most of all a mother not only to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchil-dren, but to everyone she knew. Mom's home and heart were always open to anyone and everyone. She loved spending time with family and friends; and would do anything for anyone. She spent her life caring for others, including many years as the main caregiver to her loving husband, Bill McKenna. There is no way to put into words what Mom means to those who know her, but if we were asked to sum up what we have learned from her and how much she means to all of us, we would end up saying pretty much the same thing, so mom here is a toast to you! You are an inspiration to us all You are dignity You are courage You are strength You teach by your wisdom, and lead by your grace You are laughter You are vibrant You radiate life You are real You are tenderness You are hope You are everything in between You are a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a daughter, an aunt, a sister, and our best friend You are beautiful and amazing We love you and will miss you more than you can imagine. Lavon is survived by her children, Bobby (Debbie) Bess, Nanc Borg, Carolyn Lancaster, Jolene (Cal) Sharp, Denice (Bill) DeBirk, Dennis McKenna (Lynn), Bill McKenna (Laurie), Tom (Cindy) McKenna, and Jim (Kim) McKenna; 28 grandchildren; 45 great-grandchildren; sisters, Alta Morrow (Aunt Lou), and Bernadette Hayes (Aunt Bernie); special friend, Karen; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Wayne Bess, William Timothy McKenna; son, Danny Bess; grandson, Timothy William DeBirk; sisters, Delores and Darlene; brothers, Tom, Wayne, Myrl, and Ray; and son-in-law, Doug Lancaster. The family would like to thank IHC Hospice Care, especially Kathy and Rita for the caring and support they provided to mom and our family. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, March 28, 2007, 10:30 a.m., at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 1975 South and 2300 East. A Vigil Service will be held 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 27, 2007 at Neil 0'Donnell and Sons Mortuary, 372 East 100 South, where friends may call from 6-7 p.m. Committal, Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 4th Avenue and T Street.