Laverne Ledgett

LaVerne Ledgett, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on November 29, 2021, at her beloved home in Kalama, WA. She spent her final days surrounded by family and enjoying her beautiful view of the Kalama River. Born Reca LaVerne Johnston on September 28, 1926 to Rhoda and John Johnston, LaVerne grew up in Vader, Wa, before moving to Castle Rock, then Kelso, and then finally Kalama.

One of her life long hobbies was to explore the world. She traveled many places including Hawaii, Canada, Australia, Japan, and Mexico. But her favorite trips were undoubtedly those to Reno, NV with big groups of family and friends.

LaVerne was preceded in death by her husband of 35 years, Leonard Ledgett in 1980, her daughter Darlene Viereck in 2015, her grandson Athen Czarapata in 2018, and her siblings David, Laurence, Albert, and Ellen. She is survived by her son Julius Ledgett, her grandchildren, Lance Wheatley, Jennifer Czarapata, Joe Ledgett, Tara Ledgett, Sarah Wheatley, and Amanda Viereck, and her great-grandchildren Madeline Kinne, Ali Ledgett, and Sammy Giampino.

Grandma was a hugger. She LOVED hugs. And smiles. Her smile lit the room, and was never in short supply. She was strong and smart, and she cared about her family and friends. She was the gravity that pulled and kept her family together. And she will be missed. Games of 31 and Yahtzee will never be the same.

LaVerne’s funeral will be Friday, December 10, at noon at Steele Chapel, followed by graveside services at Kalama Cemetary and a reception at LaVern’s home on the Kalama River.