LaVonne Meredith Souther, 96, of St. Anthony Park, died March 26, 2018, at Morning Song Villa in Menomonie, Wis. She was born Dec. 2, 1921, daughter of Willard E. and Frances C. (Lytzen) Lorenz in Osseo, Minn. She was a graduate of Anoka High School and continued her education at the University of Minnesota in related arts.
LaVonne married Burton E. Souther on October 10, 1943. Homemaking and hospitality became her life’s career. She was an adept leader and teacher for Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops and 4-H clubs and was dedicated in faithful service for 73 years to St. Anthony Park United Church of Christ. She expressed her creativity through gardening, writing, cooking, baking, making banners, weaving and painting. She handmade her own Christmas cards for 74 years and lovingly wrote letters to family and friends over generations.
LaVonne is survived by her brother, Robert Lorenz; children, Sarah “Sally” Conklin and twins Barbara Souther and Richard (Judith) Souther; five grandchildren; two step-grandsons; two great-granddaughters; and seven great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Burton; son, David; sister, Geraldine “Gerrie” Jacob; and son-in-law, Roger Conklin.
A memorial service was held April 8 at St. Anthony Park United Church of Christ. Memorials honoring LaVonne are preferred to the church or donor’s choice.
To express condolences online, visit www.sampsonfuneralhome.com.
