LaVona N. Farney

LaVona Natalie (Peterson) Farney passed into eternity on September 29, 2025. Born on September 10, 1926, she celebrated her 99th birthday surrounded by loving friends and family. LaVona was born on a farm near Woodhull, IL to Alie and LaVern Peterson. She attended Maple Valley Elementary School and Woodhull High School. Upon graduation, she attended Moline Business College. She was employed by Parkers Department store as a personal shopper in Davenport, IA. LaVona chose to leave that job in 1943 to work for the US Corps of Engineers in Rock Island, IL in the personnel & payroll department.

She graduated from Augustana College in Rock Island, IL in 1948 as a speech pathologist. Dixon, IL was the location of her first teaching position. It was also the place she met and fell in love with Richard (Dick) Farney. They married on August 6, 1950. They made their home in Rockford, IL where they raised their three children. (Randy, Debra and Laura). She taught in Rockford Public Schools for 25 years.

LaVona was a proud charter member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. (Rockford, IL). She made lifelong friends while singing in the choir, leading Bible study, teaching Sunday school and serving on the board and many committees over the years. She also served on the Auxiliary Board of PA Peterson Center for Health. She worked with the Retired Seniors Volunteer program, providing mobile meals and enjoyed performing puppet shows in the Rockford Public Schools.

LaVona was an avid reader and bridge player. She loved her bridge and Mah Jongg friends and played both well into her 90's. LaVona was also a lover of the arts, attending Rock Valley College Starlight Theater, Artists Ensemble and Rockford Symphony as an annual subscriber.

LaVona will be remembered by her family as a woman of experiences. Whether it was a trip to New York City or a trip to the Coronado Theater, she exposed her children and grandchildren to the beauty this world has to offer.

LaVona is predeceased by her husband, Richard (Dick) Farney and son Randolph (Randy) Farney, mother, father, two sisters Amy Olson, Kay Becker and brother Chuck Peterson (along with several beloved cousins with whom she spent many happy times). Survivors include daughter-in-law Patricia Farney, Debra (Steve) Anderson, and daughter, Laura (Mike) Arrington. 7 grandchildren, Katy (James) Hogan, Leif (Tabby) Farney, Natalie (Travis) Craven, Luke (Emily) Anderson, Jenny (Jacob) McBurnie, Bethany (Alex) Arrington-Peck, Megan (Desmond) Marks and 8 great grandchildren, Vivian and Freya Farney, Noah and Emma Craven, Drew and Ellie Anderson and Jonah and Julianne McBurnie. In addition to many much-loved nieces and nephews.

Celebration of life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 28, 2026 at Fred C. Olson Chapel, 1001 2nd Ave., Rockford, IL. Visitation will be from 9:30 to 9:45 a.m. prior to the service. Memorials can be made to Rockford Rescue Mission-715 W. State Street, Rockford, IL. 61102.