LaVada Graening

I have known LaVada since I was 16 years old and we worked together at the Home of Mercy. Most of my life, I have heard stories of you(her family)as you grew up, got married, and had children of your own. She loved each and every one of you very much, was incredibly proud of all that you have done, and could see how wonderful your potential for the future could be. Next to her family, the things dearest to her heart were her church, and the Home of Mercy. LaVada was the epitome of what being a Christian is all about...demonstrating empathy and compassion for others, devoting oneself to service, having a strong spiritual base, and living by example. She has left a wonderful legacy in all of you, and because of that, she will never truly be gone. I know that she is up in heaven smiling down on all of you, and I feel truly blessed to have known her and have the honor of calling her my friend. She has touched my life very deeply, and I will never forget her. She has always been a very special lady, and Heaven is very lucky to have her home.

My deep sympathy to the Graening family. I had the honor of knowing LaVada for over 30 years, joining her nieces Debi and Beth on so many visits over the years. She was the same sweet, compassionate and caring person during all those years, even remaining positive while dealing with health issues. As is already known she had the ability to make people feel very special through her kind written or spoken words. What a strong yet gentle spirit she possessed! She left a wonderful legacy of memories for family and friends and serves as an inspiration for us all.

I've had the good fortune of having a wonderful aunt who always offered kind and encouraging words when our family lived nearby and continued to do so in thoughtful cards and letters throughout the years. Lavada was there to help my mother when her parents passed away at an early age and was a wonderful friend to her throughout her life. Lavada's life is a glorious response to the challenge of "What would Jesus do?". She will be dearly missed but never forgotten . . .

LaVada, your influence in all our lives was such a bonus!! Heaven is lucky to have such a fine person to carry on in her mission for kindness and knowledge. I will never forget how you and Grandpa Aldon used to play the piano and organ together; lifting up everyone's spirits and having such FUN! And your stories of when you 3 were children were such a joy to hear. You raised a wonderful family. Each one of your daughters, son, grandchildren and great grandchildren are special and it was all because of YOU. Leanne, Faye and Alan-know that your mom was one of the very best that lived on Earth and we will miss her immensely! Love all of you. Nancy and Ken