LaVone B. Gunnell

Lavone Broadstone Gunnell, 88, beloved daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend, passed away Thursday, April 18, 2013, at her home. She was born Jan. 20, 1925, in Hyrum, Utah, the daughter of Goldie Tippetts Rainey and Fritz Monrad Andersen Broadstone.

She attended school and graduated from South Cache High School and worked at the Bluebird Restaurant. LaVone attended night classes at Utah State University in Logan, Utah. On June 17, 1944, she married Verlan Poppleton Gunnell in Houston, Texas. They were later sealed for all time and eternity in the Logan Utah LDS Temple. They together have shared 69 years of marriage. They are the proud parents of a daughter, Dixie Lee Gunnell Erickson and a son, Jeffrey Lynn Gunnell.

LaVone loved dancing, playing the organ, writing poetry and working in the yard. She had exquisite taste and truly knew the art of housekeeping and how to keep a yard beautiful applying every hidden secret that only she knew how to do. Her top priorities were her family, friends and neighbors. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving God and others was of top priority in her life. LaVone was always willing to "cheer up the sad and make someone feel glad". She helped everyone in need and opened her heart up to share with others their problems while always giving encouragement and hope. She served in the Junior Sunday School presidency, was a Co-Pilot teacher and Blazer Teacher in the Primary, served as second counselor in the Relief Society presidency, was a Relief Society teacher and taught the Relief Society Teacher Development Course while serving as a counselor. She studied other countries in the world to great extent and was the Cultural Refinement Teacher in the Relief Society and served as Relief Society Presidency Secretary. She enjoyed serving as the Visiting Teacher supervisor , compassionate service leader and was the Relief Society Historian.

She is survived by all who love her dearly including her daughter, Dixie Lee Gunnell Erickson of Pocatello, Idaho; her son, Jeffrey Lynn (Beverly) Gunnell of Preston; grandsons, Lon (Keva) Gunnell, Jon Erickson, Rob Erickson, Jamen Gunnell; granddaughters, Angie Sleight, Lindsey (Justin) Johnson; great-grandsons, Brenner Erickson, Jayden Erickson, Landon Erickson, Konner Sleight, Jax Johnson; great-granddaughter, Kora Erickson. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, one sister and two brothers.

A special thanks to all those who provided all the loving care that was given to our mom. The world of appreciation goes to CNS Hospice and Gaye Jorgensen. Quality 24 hour care and complete dedication goes to Wanja, Lucy, Sarah and RaNae. Additional help in unnumbered ways goes to Amy, CJ, Nina, Candice, Lynette, Janice, Jodi, Tamara, Eloise, Linda, the 10th Ward, neighbors and friends near and far. Truly mom and the entire family are better people for having known and worked with you all. Thank you all for being part of our home and lives while rendering compassionate service.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 22, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. in the Preston Tenth Ward Chapel, 155 N. 200 W., Preston, with Bishop Doug Roper conducting. Friends may call Sunday from 6-8 p.m. at Webb Funeral Home, 1005 South 800 East, Preston and Monday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the church. Interment will be in the Wellsville, Utah Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.webbmortuary.com