Obituaries : LaVona Jean Hoefle

1933 - 2016

LaVona Jean Hoefle, 82, of Battle Ground, WA passed away in the presence of her family on May 8, 2016. LaVona was born at home in Benton County, IA, October 15, 1933 to Fred and Mary Rosburg. Lavona was one of six children growing up on the family farm. She graduated Salutatorian from Shellsburg High School in 1951. During her high school years she met the love of her life Dale Hoefle in Vinton, IA. They married in 1952 and attended Palmer Chiropractic College together. With the birth of their first child approaching in early 1954 LaVona withdrew to raise their family. She continued to study with her husband to help him earn a degree from Bebout College of Chiropractic.

Over the years LaVona held various jobs to help support the family such as an elevator operator, in child care, dispatcher and clerical work. Dale and LaVona lived in Battle Ground, Wa from 1959 until 1974 when they moved east to Outlook, WA. There they purchased an asparagus farm, and also worked in the food processing industry. Wanting to spend more time with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren they returned to Battle Ground in 1988 and were often seen in the bleachers cheering the young athletes on. LaVona drove a Battle Ground school bus for nine years before retiring so she and Dale could travel throughout the US and Canada.

LaVona cherished her family and made an effort to spend significant time when her grandchildren were born when possible. She took great joy in the opportunity to help care for one of her great grandchildren for a year until it became too difficult with the progression of Parkinson’s.

She had a talent for growing beautiful flowers and it was said that she treated them like they were her children. LaVona checked them daily, taking pleasure in tending them. She enjoyed gardening, canning, freezing, baking and sewing – all for the enjoyment of her family. She was well known for her sweet tooth and love of milk chocolate. LaVona was always up for game of Scrabble with anyone who dared. She usually won.

Dale and LaVona traveled extensively over the years both with their children and after retirement. LaVona always brought her hummingbird feeders and when needed her pickling crocks with them. As they traveled she kept busy sewing, pickling, reading and working with different crafts. She kept detailed journals of their travels. Experiences were more important to her than material things.

In 2005 LaVona was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, dealing with that disease with incredible dignity and grace. If it had not been for Parkinson’s she would no doubt still be running circles around everyone.

Her husband Dale preceded her in death by three months exactly. LaVona is survived by her daughter Peggy Tilgner (Mike) of Battle Ground, WA; daughter Penny Gibbons (Rick) of Vancouver, WA; son Dennis Hoefle of Battle Ground, WA; daughter Paige DeLynn Barrett (Mike) of Grandview, WA; 11 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

At the request of LaVona there will be no public service. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.