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LaVonne Alexander Obituary
78, of Glendale Arizona, passed away peacefully on April 1, 2010, after a long battle with cancer. LaVonne was born in Cement, OK, on November 1, 1931 to James and Georgia Sue Lonsdale. She has three siblings, James Lonsdale II, Kathy Hunt and Margaret Treadway. LaVonne was married to Lloyd Darnel Wiley (Doc) who died in 1964. They had two children, James Alan Wiley and Jamie Sue Wiley (McSorley). LaVonne's beloved grandchildren are Don Wiley, Misty Shank and Kacie & Shannon McSorley. Her great-grandchildren are Ryan, Seth and Aubree Wiley and Michael Shank. They are her legacy and she is very proud of them. LaVonne loved one other man in her life, June Lee Alexander, who died in 1985. Alex was in her heart always. LaVonne loved her family and dear friends and would want us to be happy, live healthy and to take care of each other. Mom, we love you, we will miss you, and we wish for you God's Blessing and Eternal Peace. Services are scheduled at 10:30 A.M., Friday, April 9, 2010 at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 North Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, Arizona. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower Street, Phoenix, AZ 85016. Menke Funeral Home handled arrangements.
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Memories and Condolences
for LaVonne Alexander
Sponsored by Those who loved her..
Jim Lonsdale
November 1, 2021
Happy Birthday, LaVonne. I hope the library there rocks ! Miss you. - Jimmy
Serial cheek patter.
Marty Lonsdale
May 2, 2010
Thought you might like to see evidence of the cheek patting, different cheek of course. This picture was taken in December 1961 and the abused child is my son Jimmy at age 15 months. One of LaVonnes first victims.
With love,
Marty
Karen Gass
April 29, 2010
Missing my Aunt LaVonne ever so much.. I will always and forever miss the great times we had. I will always remember the great time at the Suns games, and now missing her at the D-Back games. I will always remember the recent lunch we had together and watching her eat her favorite enchilada from Pedros. My last visit with her gave me a chance to say 'Good-bye'. The first thing she asked when I walked in the room was 'where are my handsome boys'? I know she is now resting in peace and watching over us. Miss you and love you always!
Love,
Karen & Jeff
Kathy Hunt
April 29, 2010
LaVonne spent the past 8 years fighting a horrible disease. She was the bravest person I knew. I miss being able to just pick up the phone and talk to her about anything and everything that came up. We had an amazing relationship. I love her and know that she is in a better place now. She had the best care ever. Thanks to Jamie and family. I miss my Big Sister! Love You Forever and Always!
Kevin Heard
April 23, 2010
I was very sorry to hear about Aunt LaVonne's passing. Patty and I always looked forward to her frequent visits to California over the years. She had such a quiet strength, and she was so easy to be around you could pick up right were you left off, even if you hadn't seen her for ages.
Looking back on it, I feel so fortunate to have lived in Phoenix for several years growing up. Like my sister Lori, I too have many fond memories of that time, including Suns games and '70s music. Mostly, I'm grateful that I had the chance to get to know Aunt LaVonne and the rest of the family. I will always treasure that time in my life.
We were all blessed to have LaVonne in our lives. She will be greatly missed.
Barbara Jackson
April 22, 2010
Who knew that meeting at the daycare center when our kids were so young would lead to a friendship that lasted 40 years? We had many things in common: we were both single moms with 2 children, a love of reading, the Phoenix Suns and a sense of humor. We shared trips to Cancun, Hawaii, Colorado to visit Marilyn and we had a blast. We took disco dance lessons together in the late 70's. LOL I have so many fond memories of my great and generous friend. My son Craig said it best when I informed him of her passing: "Wow, I'm so sorry, she was a cool lady!" Yes, she was. She fought the good fight for so long. I will miss her so much. Love to you LaVonne.
Lori Nielsen
April 20, 2010
Aunt LaVonne, it is so hard to be believe you are gone. I am so sad to not have seen you in the past several years. I always looked forward to your visits to California and of course I have such great memories of living in Phoenix near you when I was a kid. You could not help but to laugh when you were around. You had the best, dry, sharp sense of humor. You were always on top of things. Nothing ever got by you.
I have lots of fond memories, to name a few: going to Suns games, hanging out at your house while you frosted my mom's hair and listened to lots of Elton John and Barry White (ah, the 70's), your visits to CA, and of course the famous cheek pat. You were a cool woman. You will be truly missed by all who knew you. Give Ron a big hug for me. I love you. Lori
Maggie Treadway
April 17, 2010
So many memories, all the visit to California, Boone's farm, strawberry hill,
So many memories, all the visits to California, Boone,s farm strawberry hill, cast #11, season ticket's to the Phoenix Sun's, king,s in the corner and, oh yes, I was probably one of the first to get the loving "cheek slap". There are so many more. I'll miss you more than anyone could ever know.... your little sister, Margaret ( Maggie)
Trenna Atkins
April 15, 2010
It was such a privilege meeting LaVonne and feeling a connection on several levels. She was so loved by her family and friends, I wish I'd had more time to know her. I will always remember her energy and love of living.
Dana Lane
April 9, 2010
LaVonne was a cool chick, my pal and the best second mom I could ever have. I'll miss her every day and treasure every glass of wine and book we ever shared. She's in my heart and in every drop of coffee that I'll drink out of her Mona Lisa cup. Thanks for sharing her with us. Much love.
April 9, 2010
Bye, Lavonne - I'll miss you... We had a few laughs, lots of good memories, a few Suns games - - I'll miss your friendship. Enjoy the endless library up there; and knowing you're with Alex makes everything OK!! Love, Marilyn
Leigh Harris
April 9, 2010
Sass.
LaVonne had the most honest-to-goodness "sass" of anyone I've ever met.
Even through her final days...she was as sharp & quick as a snap from the end of a horse-whip!
Nothing ever escaped her attention.
AND, She had an incredibly quick wit to go along with that sharp eyesight, of hers.
No sooner would she've observed something... she would mete out a hilariously-cunning quip to make us all collapse in hysterics!
Then, she'd look around at all of us with that "who me?" non-plussed look...(all the while you KNOW she was, enjoyably, saying to herself "Gotcha, girls!" :-)
Also...There was no "gray" area with LaVonne. She stated something...and, you knew that was that, with her.
Which was good. You always knew where you stood with LaVonne.
She was a great Lady...with great fortitude (proven by the way she faced and, repeatedly, beat down a vicious disease.)
Yes, I think that in a past life she could have easily been one of those tenacious, pioneering women in the old days of the Wild West.
I can so easily visualize her owning & running the finest, darn Saloon - west of the Mississippi...and keeping all those card-dealers & cowboys, in line, simply by way of her strong, unique and winning character.
Yes, that's it.
LaVonne was a character..who had amazing character.
That's how I'm gonna always remember her.
LaVonne Alexander:
A truly great Lady.
Linda Lazok
April 8, 2010
LaVonne was a very strong and very special person. I only knew her for a few short years, too short. She will be greatly missed. May she now rest in peace and soar with the angles in heaven, as she lives on in our hearts and memories! Much love to her and her family, who remain in my thoughts and prayers.
Mary Hertzog
April 8, 2010
The first time I met LaVonne, I felt like I had known her all my life.She became an instant friend. She was always out going and cared so much for others.She made family gatherings very special,just by being there. She has given us all very special memories that we will carry in our hearts for along time.My thoughts and prayers are with her family. May the love of family and friends give you comfort at this time.
Carol Nau
April 8, 2010
It has been a joy to be friends with Jamie these past five years. It was a blessing to have had the opportunity to know and love LaVonne through that friendship. She was one very strong and courageous woman whom I admired and drew strength from especially during the darkest moment of my life. Even while in the throes of her physical sufferings she was still thinking of others. Though I mourn the brevity of our friendship and miss her terribly, I am comforted by the knowledge that she is now whole and perfect, never to be touched by pain and worldy cares again. Goodbye, LaVonne. May angels sing you to your rest. Make sure to keep everyone, esp. Tim, in line up there and remember us from time to time.
Leigh Harris
April 8, 2010
Sass. LaVonne had the most honest-to-goodness "sass" of anyone I've ever met. Even through her final days...she was as sharp & quick as a snap from the end of a horse-whip! Nothing ever escaped her attention. She had a quick wit to go along with that sharp eyesight. No sooner than she'd observe something... she would mete out a hilariously-cunning quip to make us all collapse in hysterics!
Then, she'd look around at us with that "who me?" non-plussed look...(all the while you KNOW she was, enjoyably, saying to herself "Gotcha, girls!" :-)
Also...There was no "gray" area with LaVonne. She stated something...and, you knew that was that, with her.
Which was great. You always knew where you stood with LaVonne.
She was a great Lady...with great fortitude (proven by the way she faced and beat down a vicious disease.)
Yes, I think that in a past life she could have easily been one of those tenacious, pioneering women in the old days of the Wild West.
I can so easily visualize her running the finest, darn Saloon - west of the Mississippi...and keeping all those card-dealers & cowboys, in line, simply by way of her strong, unique and winning character.
Yes, that's it.
LaVonne was a character..who had amazing character.
That's how I'm gonna always remember her.
A great Lady.
Geriann Morgans
April 8, 2010
My acquaintance with LaVonne is over too soon! We met about five years ago through Jamie's little troupe of Gerard Butler fans in Phoenix. LaVonne was a delightful,fun-loving, and spirited Gerry Fan who was always up for a "gathering of the faithful." She took a sincere interest in all of our lives and families, especially our grandchildren! She waged a valiant struggle and will be sorely missed!
Nadine Vaughan
April 8, 2010
I loved getting to know LaVonne. I loved her sense of humor and her ability to speak her mind. She will always have a special place in my heart. Her memory will always bring a smile to my face. My thoughts are with her family.
Kara Crisp
April 8, 2010
My heart goes out to LaVonne's loved ones. Anyone who ever had the privilege of simply meeting LaVonne would know that she is truly someone very special. She was a friend to all who knew her and I will miss her.
April 8, 2010
To Jamie & family –
So sorry about LaVonne. I’m so glad that I got to know her and surely did enjoy our friendship. She was a very special lady and we will miss her, but we know that she is at peace. My love & thoughts are with you Jamie & your family.
Wilma Robinson
Marty Lonsdale
April 7, 2010
I find it very difficult to think of LaVonne no longer here with us. I loved sharing jokes and books with her. I loved the way her mind worked and the compassion she always felt for other people. Life was always more fun when LaVonne was involved. I loved her while she was here and will always think of her with love. A sister and a friend.
Kacie McSorley
April 7, 2010
Grandma, I miss you so much. So many great memories I am so blessed to have. You were so strong and brave and that nspired so many people! Always in my heart! I love you!!
Kelly Lonsdale
April 7, 2010
When I think of Aunt LaVonne I think of how way cool and laid back she was. She always seemed to take life in stride. Her cheek pats were her trade mark greeting and she always made all of us feel so loved. She was very strong and would never show how she was feeling. I will miss her deeply. Memories of her will always be in my mind. A never ending love will be in my heart.
Mallory McClintock
April 7, 2010
LaVonne, was like a grandmother to me. She accepted me in as one of her grandchildren out of the kindness of her heart and Im going to miss her very much. I love you LaVonne, and I promise to keep Jamie, Mark and the girls in line.
Stephani Johnson
April 7, 2010
Like my cousin said the most fond memory of our Aunt LaVonne was the infamous cheek pat...and she was the only one who could do it just right! She was a great spirit! We love and miss her!
Teresa Northey Garza
April 7, 2010
Darnel Wiley has one sister Charleen Northey who lives in Houston. Charleen loved LaVonne's spirit & energy. All five Northey kids have great memories of our trip to Arizona to see our cousins Alan & Jamie, Aunt LaVonne & the Grand Canyon. LaVonne was like the canyon-larger than life and as a person an experience not to be missed. Mother will miss their phone chats and her only sister in-law.
Love & prayers from the Weatherford & Houston families.
Raymond McSorley
April 7, 2010
there are too many good memories about my great aunt...but there is one that i wil never forget and that is where she would pat us on the cheeks really fast and it was only her that could do it the right way...she was always happy and brightened any room that she walked into...God just recieved his newest angel and she will be watching over all of us. i love you and miss you!!
Marlene Saltzman
April 7, 2010
I was saddened to hear of LaVonne's passing. I only new LaVonne for a short time but the times we spent together were filled with a lot of fun and laughter. My prayers go out to her family.
Jim Lonsdale
April 7, 2010
LaVonne was always one of my favorite people and I will miss her dearly. It will be hard to see a Dean Koontz book ever again and not think of her. ~Jimmy Lonsdale
James LonsdaleGlendale
April 7, 2010
LaVonne will be sorely missed. She has been the cornerstone of the clan for many years. She was always positive, even when faced with the horrible fate of cancer. There will be an image of her in my mind and heart until I too must leave this life.
Tina Rankin
April 7, 2010
When I think of LaVonne, I only think of happy times. She was a joy to be around and loved her family so much. She will be truly missed. My thought and prayers are with the family.
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