LaVon E Ferguson

     LaVon E. Ferguson was born on August 29, 1923, to Gertrude A. and Ralph R. Crawford, the first of three daughters. When LaVon was born, Calvin Coolidge had just assumed the presidency; women had recently secured the right to vote. 

     LaVon amassed a lifetime of memories in her 100 years. She married Richard C. Ferguson on November 8,1941. During their 60-year marriage, they celebrated the births of four daughters, three granddaughters, and two grandsons. LaVon later welcomed six great granddaughters.

     LaVon enjoyed being actively engaged in physical activities. She was an avid golfer but applied her athleticism to bowling. She served as president of the Sioux City Women’s Bowling Association and the Iowa 600 Club. LaVon loved teaching youngsters to bowl through her involvement in youth leagues. 

     LaVon retired from bowling in her 90’s and from her long-term job as bookkeeper for Leeds Pharmacy at 100. She never retired from her love for travel, which kept her curious nature engaged and her sharp mind well-honed.

     LaVon was preceded in death by her husband Richard, her parents, and her sisters, Marvel Mozak and Arlene Heagney. She is survived by daughters Joan (Tom) Dodds, Sheryl (Allan) Seaver, Debra Kunze, and Cathy (Jack) Nelson. LaVon is also survived by her grandchildren and great grandchildren: Jodi Dodds Kinner (Tim), Jill Dodds (Bal Nandra), Jason Seaver (Tammy), Wendy Brinkmeier (Rob), Richard Nelson, Genevieve Kinner, Luella Nandra, Liv Nandra, Lauren Seaver, Grayson Brinkmeier, and Emerson Brinkmeier.

     Women’s rights played a strong role in LaVon’s life as she raised and role-modeled for so many young women. All of her grandchildren participated in the sports that women were not availed of when LaVon was young: Volleyball, Dance, Riding, Swimming, Track and Field. She reveled in watching her grandchildren participate in their passions. For those who wish to honor her, donations can be made in her name to the League of Women Voters or Planned Parenthood.