LaVerne Snyder Benton

Georgia LaVerne Snyder Benton

September 6, 1933 - May 1, 2025

Georgia LaVerne Snyder Benton, age 91, passed away on Thursday, May 1, 2025 with her family at her side. Born September 6, 1933, in VanHorn, Texas, to Joe A. and Katherine (Millican) Snyder, “Burn” was the proud middle child—flanked by older sisters Colleen and Jean, and younger siblings, JoGayle and Wylie. The family moved to Kerrville, where she graduated from Tivy High in 1952 and went on to attend Sul Ross College in Alpine. There she met the love of her life, JimBob Benton. She was very proud to have been the first female to graduate from Sul Ross with a degree in Industrial Arts.

LaVerne and JimBob were married and welcomed LaNeisha to the family. After graduation, they moved to the oil fields of west Texas where they were joined by Vicki and JimBob (Button). In 1966, they had had enough of sand storms, tumble weeds and frequent moves and they returned to JimBob’s hometown of Menard where they would remain for the majority of their years. She became a teacher and was loved and respected by her students, frequently joking that she was never smart enough to get out of the 4th grade. Generations of students still speak reverently of “The Whistle”. She treated all students with fairness and believed that every child was worthwhile and could do better, if they were just given the chance (and maybe a little swat from her paddle).

LaVerne was incredibly talented and could make or do anything. Whether it was a classroom full of paper mache Aliens for the PTA parade, a sign welcoming travelers to Menard, or an emergency blankie for a grandchild, she could make it happen. Her talents were matched only by her generosity and she gave freely of her time and spirit, volunteering in countless ways. After retiring from teaching, LaVerne and JimBob opened SilverMine Videos. She loved interacting with the people of Menard and it was one of the last hubs of social activity on Main Street.

LaVerne was sharp, fiercely independent and always up for an adventure. She traveled to China for her 75th and Machu Pichu for her 80th. She zip lined in Jamaica and rode mules at the Grand Canyon. She saw Yellowstone National Park by snowmobile and mountain peaks in Jackson Hole and Whitefish by ski lift. She loved fishing and camping with her family, especially the grandkids. She was an animal lover and a bit of a Cat Lady in her later years. Her extensive Community Cat Colony became the foundation of the TNR program at CritterShack Rescue. Never one to sit idly by, she specialized in surgery packs and prepared them with military precision and creases.

LaVerne was predeceased by her parents, Joe and Katherine Snyder, sister Colleen Rosson, and brother Wylie Snyder. And most importantly, her beloved JimBob, but they will be together forever and dancing in the stars. She is survived by her children, LaNeisha (Victor) Riggan, Vicki (Gary) Roth, JimBob (Sonia) Benton, her sisters Jean Dreiss and JoGayle Rhoades, sister-in-law Joan Crowell, grandchildren Tyler Benton, Vincent Riggan (Ashley), Brett Roth (Asia), Meagan Roth Billingsley (Brett), Devon Riggan Oechsle (Jason), Brooke Benton Bradley and Crystal Benton Foster (Derek), 3 great granddaughters —Eliana Oechsle, Trinity Bradley, Zelia Roth and numerous nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be held 1:00 PM, Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at the Fort McKavett Cemetery with Jim Bob Benton officiating. A Celebration of Life will be held May 24th at 3:00 at the Menard Country Club.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Menard County Community Cat Program at CritterShack Rescue, PO Box 192, Wall, TX. 76957

Services with integrity, pride, and honor are under the direction of Kimble Funeral Home. (325) 446-3076