Lavona Spunaugle

Lavona Belle Spunaugle, age 100 of Blue Rapids, Kansas passed away Saturday, August 2, 2025, at Blue Valley Health and Rehabilitation in Blue Rapids.

She was born January 23, 1925 in Cleburne, Kansas, the daughter of Victor Ruben and Mary Rose (Novak) Johnson.

Lavona graduated from Randolph High School in the class of 1943. On December 29, 1943, she married Adrian Parl “Dick” Spunaugle in Marysville. He preceded her in death on December 27, 2012.

She was a homemaker, raising their six children, and was also an active volunteer in her community. She was a member of the EHU since 1946, a lifetime member of Rebekah Lodge in Blue Rapids, Women of the Moose in Marysville, American Legion Auxiliary in Blue Rapids since 1966, volunteered with Meals on Wheels and with Marshall County RSVP for 25 years. She served as the Superintendent of Flowers at the Marshall County Fair for over 25 years.

Lavona was a member of the New Hope Presbyterian Church, She and Dick celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary and renewed their vows at the United Presbyterian Church, She served as Sunday School and Bible School Teacher for many years when she was a member of United Presbyterian Church. More recently, she had transferred membership to New Hope EPC in Blue Rapids, but was seen many Sundays attending both services. She was quoted “I have read the Bible through several times. The more you read it, the more you grow to love it.”

She was proud that she was able to mow her own yard until she was 97 years old. She enjoyed keeping her mind sharp by doing crossword puzzles, playing Cryptoquote, Sudoku, cards and Solitaire. She was a sports fan and kept up with the Royals, Chiefs, KU & KSU ball games. She was an avid reader of RSVP magazines and Reader’s Digest. In her younger years, she loved to square dance and go bowling.

Lavona is survived by her children, Richard (Mary Ann) Spunaugle, Blue Rapids, Mary (Merlyn) Steenson, Woodbury, MN, Ruth Keil, Russell, KS, John (Jane) Spunaugle, Bella Vista, AR, Deanna (Roger) Beins, Chambersburg, PA and Judith “Judy” (Danny Nowak) Spunaugle, Kansas City, MO. She is also survived by eleven grandchildren, David (Liza) Spunaugle, Anthony Spunaugle, Debra Steenson, Sandra (Steve) Berry, Sarah (Troy) Miller, Adrianne Spunaugle, Emily Spunaugle, Natasha Beins, Derek (Amy) Beins, Tia Calkins, Tanner (Katie) Calkins and a host of great and great, great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Dick, her sister, Mae Skalla, brother, Alvis Johnson and her great granddaughter Kristen Salmans.

Viewing is from noon to 8:00 pm, Tuesday, with visitation from 6:30 to 8:00 pm, at Christie-Anderes Funeral Home in Waterville.

Funeral services are at 10:30 am, Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at New Hope Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Blue Rapids, with Pastor Jacob Schmitz and Pastor Shannon Borgman officiating. Music is to include congregational hymns: “How Great Thou Art” and “Just As I am”, a pre-recorded selection of “Waltz You Saved For Me” and finishing with “I’ll Fly Away” sung at the cemetery. Casket bearers include: David Spunaugle, Tony Spunaugle, Derek Beins, Tanner Calkins, Trevor Berry and Ryan McCormick. Honorary Bearers include: Debra Steenson, Sandra Berry, Sarah Miller, Adrianne Spunaugle, Emily Spunaugle, Natasha Beins and Tia Calkins.

Burial is at Prospect Hill Cemetery, north of Blue Rapids.

Memorials are suggested to the Lavona Spunaugle Memorial, to be determined later, and may be sent in care of Christie-Anderes Funeral Home, at PO Box 61, Waterville, Kansas 66548.

Christie-Anderes Funeral Home in Waterville is in charge of arrangements.