Laverne Nothdurft

Laverne Nothdurft, 82, of Whitewater was called to her heavenly home Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2018. She died peacefully at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau, surrounded by her loving family.

Born Sept. 15, 1936, in Delta, Laverne was daughter of the late Gene and Flora Hitt White. She and Don Nothdurft were united in marriage Feb. 14, 1954, at Delta First Baptist Church.

Laverne was active throughout her life. After 30 years of dedicated service to Sears, Roebuck and Co. in Cape Girardeau, she retired in 1993. She was a devoted member since 1958 and Sunday school teacher for 60 years at Delta First Baptist Church.

At the age of 19, she became a member of the Order of Eastern Star (OES), Whitewater Chapter 174 and pledged her time for 63 years, where in 2005 she received her 50-year pin. She was Worthy Matron, Grand Rep of Massachusetts District Deputy Grand Matron and a member of Past Matrons Club and White Shrine. Dedicated to Oak Valley 4-H Club, she served as the club leader for 15 years and received the Cape County 4-H Club Leader of the Year Award. With pride for her heritage, she enjoyed being a member of the John Guild Chapter National Society daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). Additionally, she served on Delta Park board for 10 years and Southeast Hospital Association.

Although Laverne led a committed life participating in several organizations, her true passion was serving the Lord by helping others. She volunteered with many senior group activities including Community Relations Council Vision 2020, where she received the Melvin Gateley Award of Distinction as the Vision 2020 volunteer of the Year; AARP volunteer, earning the AARP State Service Award, a reflection of her devotion to helping seniors complete their state and federal tax returns; Cape Girardeau board member for the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP); Seniors and Lawmen Together SALT Committee; Seniors' Safety Committee; and Delta Senior Citizens Program, receiving the 2016 Service Award.

Laverne cherished her time with her family -- children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. During her entire life, she loved sports, especially basketball. From listening to the St. Louis Cardinals games on the radio as a young girl, to religiously watching basketball on TV, she relished the competitive spirit and enjoyed cheering for her favorite teams, the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers and the Kentucky Wildcats.

She is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, Don Nothdurft of Whitewater; a son, Kim (Martha) Nothdurft of Tilsit; a daughter, Tonya Shipley of St. Louis; a brother, Douglas (Judy) White of Tulsa, Oklahoma; four grandchildren, Salli Jo (Jeremy) Bollinger of Tilsit, Dustin (Kimberlie) Nothdurft of Whitewater, Landon (Alex) Shipley of St. Louis and Taryn Shipley of Seattle; and six great-grandchildren, Lane, Ty and Kierstin Bollinger, Kole Nothdurft, and twins, Jaxon Alexander and Savannah Grace Shipley.

Laverne was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Wanda Crites and Willa Dean Propst.

Friends may call for visitation from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday and from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Monday at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.

Funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Randy Conn officiating. A graveside service will follow at Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Delta First Baptist Church.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.