Wona A. Deverman

Wona A. (Dodge) Deverman, 85, passed away October 4th, 2023 in Elmhurst, Illinois at Park Place of Elmhurst, where she was a resident of their memory care unit. She was surrounded by loving members of her family. Wona was born February 23, 1938 in Belvidere, Illinois. Her parents Fred S. and Alma K. Dodge preceded her in death. Her husband, Jerone "Jer" Deverman, also preceded her in death. Jerone and Wona Dodge Deverman were married in Belvidere, Illinois on September 4, 1960. The happy couple met at Purdue University.

She is survived by her eldest son James Dodge Deverman of Albuquerque. Her granddaughter Elise Crockett of Lamar, Colorado and great grandson Ayden. Also, her grandson James Paul Deverman and wife Shayna of Glen Elder, Kansas and great grandsons Liam and Eli, and great granddaughter Tinley.

Her youngest son John Henry Deverman and wife Eduvijes Martinez of Elmhurst, Illinois, survive Wona Deverman, as well as, grandsons Henry Moises Deverman and Samuel Eli Deverman.

Wona graduated from Belvidere High School in 1956. Having never missed a single day of school, she was recognized at the time by Illinois Governor William Stratton for having perfect attendance each year of school from first grade through her senior year for a total of 2,198 school days.

She enrolled in the College of Health and Human Sciences at Purdue University in 1956, majoring in physical education with a minor in English. She earned her Bachelor of Science Degree from Purdue University in 1962. A true lifelong Boilermaker at heart, Wona served as the President of the Purdue Alumni Association Board of Directors from 1989 to 1991.

Following Purdue, Wona lived with her husband and two sons in El Paso, TX; Albuquerque, NM; Livermore, CA; and then returning to Albuquerque in 1969 where she remained until the last few years of her life. Upon her return to Albuquerque, she served as a substitute teacher for Albuquerque Public Schools before joining the faculty at Eldorado High School in 1972. Wona was a dedicated English teacher at Eldorado until her retirement in 2001. She also served as the yearbook adviser at the school for many of those years.

Her fabulous cooking, generous heart, and endless craft projects will be sorely missed. Her love and enthusiasm for singing brought her pure joy at every stage of her life.

A Memorial service for Wona Deverman will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, November 4th, 2023 at Faith Lutheran Church located at 10000 Spain Rd NE in Albuquerque. Luncheon to follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts should be paid forward by dedicating your talents, time, and resources to helping those who suffer from dementia.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Albuquerque Journal from Oct. 31 to Nov. 3, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Wona Deverman

5 Entries

Patty Fleming

October 31, 2023

I have many beautiful ornaments that Wona made. She even sent them after I moved to Texas. I cherish each of them. I taught at EHS with her and enjoyed her cooking many times. She was a generous and gracious lady.

Melissa D.

October 31, 2023

I always enjoyed spending time with Jer and Wona at Beaver Pointe....wonderful memories of fun family gatherings and Wona´s appetizers. They are both missed. Prayers to the Deverman family.

Michelle Kavanaugh

October 31, 2023

Mrs. Deverman was my 10th grade english teacher. She was a lovely woman. Best wishes to her family.

Norma Hall

October 31, 2023

Wona and I taught in adjoining classrooms on the northwest corner of the Humanities Building of Eldorado High School. I enjoyed her as a "neighbor." RIP

Ted Maes

October 31, 2023

To the family of Mrs Deverman please accept my deepest condolences. She was a great teacher and person. I had her for freshman English and was on the yearbook staff in 1985 and 1986. Thank you Mrs D for the guidance and teachings you provided not only myself but all of your service at Eldorado HS and APS. Respectfully, Ted R Maes EHS Class of 1987

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results