Obituary for Lavonne Eloise Gustafson

Lavonne E. Gustafson, 79, of Mescalero, NM, formerly of Maxwell, Iowa, passed away Saturday, February 21, 2009 at Mescalero Care Center. Per Lavonne''s wishes, her body has been cremated. Graveside memorial services will be held this Spring in Iowa. The Cremation Society of Eastern-Central-Western is assisting with arrangements. Lavonne Eloise Gustafson was born on March 29, 1929 to Willard and Ruby (Fish) Rupe in Floris, Iowa. She married John Gustafson on May 20, 1945 in Ottumwa, Iowa. John was stationed at the Naval Air Base in Ottumwa. He passed away in 2007. Lavonne belonged to Nazareth Lutheran Church in Cambridge, Iowa. Lavonne worked as a nurses aide for 14 years at Story County Hospital and worked at Hach Chemical for 15 years. She loved crocheting, dancing, and being a grandma and housewife. Camping and square dancing were a big part of her and John''s life. She enjoyed mushroom hunting and walking through the timber. She is survived by her 3 children, Linda (Roy) Potter of Alto, NM; Michael (Thresia) Gustafson of Maxwell; and Diane Gustafson of Victorville, CA; 4 grandchildren, Tony Cummings of Maxwell; Annette Gannon of Alto, NM; Beth (Mark) Junk of Gilbert, IA; and Christopher Gillham of Victorville, CA; 2 great grandchildren, Jacob Cummings and Mary Junk; 3 sisters, Doris (Vern) Blackwell of Unionville, MO; Elaine Barker of Nevada, IA; and Alma (Larry) Barker of Nevada; and 2 brothers, Gary (Waneta) Rupe of Ankeny; and Doyle Rupe of Ottumwa. She is preceded in death by her loving husband; parents; 2 brothers; 1 grandson, David Gustafson, and 1 great grandson, Austin Junk. Online condolences may be made to the Gustafson family by clicking on "Sign Guestbook" below.