LaVonne Magner, 93, of Chanute, and a former rural Galesburg, Neosho County, Kansas       resident, passed away at 12:40 p.m., Saturday, June 22, 2024, at the Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Sedgwick County, Kansas. 

Carolyn LaVonne was born on June 3, 1931, at Lehigh, Webster County, Iowa to Laurence and Irene Myrtle (Ashbaugh) Gibbs.  She grew up at Lehigh, Iowa and Neosho Falls, Kansas where she attended school.

LaVonne and Jerald Brooke Magner were united in marriage on January 20, 1948.  He preceded her in death on September 25, 2006.  They lived in Neosho Falls where they had a service station until the flood in 1951 occurred. 

They moved to rural Galesburg where they farmed and had a dairy operation until 1986.  They then moved to Branson, Missouri where they managed a motel until 1998.  They enjoyed their time there and made many friends across the country.  She loved to cook, bake, make homemade candy, and have holiday gatherings.  Her greatest joy was her family and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

LaVonne is survived by her son, Leon Laurence Magner, and his wife, Pattie of Denison, TX, her daughter, Leita Carolyn Thurman and her husband, Mick of Erie; her daughter-in-law, Judy Magner of Erie; her grandchildren; Kim Lamb and her husband, Ron; Casey Magner and his wife, Angie; Travis Magner, Jarrett Thurman and his wife, Ginny; Amy Stevens and her husband, Chris; Gabriel Thurman and his wife, Anna; Jordan Thurman and his wife, Kayla; and many great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her son, Galen Ralph Magner on December 3, 2022, her daughter, Cleita Irene Magner on May 6, 1976, her parents, four brothers; Allen Gibbs, Marvin Gibbs, Leland Gibbs and Warren Gibbs; two sisters; Evelyn Dudley and Shirley Terry.

Private memorial graveside services will be held at the Mt. Hope Cemetery in Galesburg later.  Memorials are suggested to the Galesburg Christian Church.

    ** Photo above was taken May 1999.