LaVon Crossen Obituary

Name: Memorial service for LaVon Crossen
Start: 2025-11-21T15:00:00.000Z
Location: Grove Community Church

LaVon Jean (Jeana) Crossen, nee Henning, 92, passed away in Loma Linda, California, on Monday, October 13, 2025. She is survived by her brother James Henning, 3 of her children, Jodi Rizzotto (Frank), Julie Crossen, and CW Crossen II (Betty), 9 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. LaVon was preceded in death by her husband, William (Bill) Crossen, and her daughter, Stephanie Crossen.

LaVon was born on May 31, 1933, in Madison, Wisconsin. She was the third of four children, Allayne, Cleo, and her younger brother James, with whom she shared a birthday. After graduating with a degree in elementary education from the University of Wisconsin/Whitewater, she took a Greyhound bus to Long Beach, CA, where she began her teaching career. While living in the Belmont Shores apartments, she met her future husband, Bill. LaVon and Bill were married in Madison, Wisconsin, and initially settled in Des Moines, Iowa, where Bill began his career in mechanical engineering. Soon after, they moved to Davenport, Iowa, where, in addition to raising 4 children, LaVon volunteered as a Girl Scout troop leader, on the school PTA, worked at Cinderella's Cellar for Catholic Services, was an active member of the women's golf league at Crow Valley Golf Club and was a docent for the Putnam/Davenport Museum of Art. An avid seamstress, LaVon was renowned for sewing formal dresses for her daughters, a green velvet suit for her son, and countless Halloween costumes for her grandchildren.

Once their kids were grown, LaVon and Bill moved to Palm Desert, CA. LaVon continued to volunteer as an art docent for "Art on El Paseo" and as a reading tutor. She especially enjoyed hosting neighbors over for a glass of wine while watching the sun set over the mountains from their patio in Desert Falls, and visits from her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her memorial service will be held on Friday, November 21, 3:00 p.m., at the Grove Community Church, Riverside, California. A reception at the church will follow the service.

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Published by Quad-City Times on Oct. 26, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for LaVon Crossen

5 Entries

Lynda Bowie

November 22, 2025

What a beautiful service yesterday.
It was truly an honor to be there. Jodi and her brother gave such heartfelt testimonies of their dear mother LaVon. Two of LaVon´s grandchildren also spoke. Pastor Nolan´s sermon was so eloquent and covered all the bases and then some. He blessed us abundantly.
The video presentation and all the lovely pictures and selected music was touching and heartfelt. The lead singer from southbound band Darryl touched us deeply as he sang several lovely melodies. The service was so uplifting and well organized. So much love was present and felt in that room for LaVon and her family, and friends.
After the service we were offered yummy sandwiches and salads and cookies and lemonade. While eating, the fellowship at each table was such a great way to bring some closure on such a day as this.
RIP sweet LaVon. Thank you for your loving spirit, as you touched so many.

Kristin Anne Camacho

November 21, 2025

We had a wonderful time today at your service grandma. Everyone had such beautiful and inspiring things to say about you and we all reflected on our favorite memories with you. I will look back on this day with joy and love. -Kristin Anne

Lynda Bowie

November 20, 2025

Lavon was full of life. I only knew her since May of 2025. She would accompany her daughter Jodi and husband Frank to listen to, and yes, `rock out´ to Darrel´s band Southbound. She was a kick, always smiling, happy and laughing. Her hearing was impeccable. As well as her walking and joining in on conversations.

I often saw LaVon in church At The Grove with her daughter. Always displaying such joy with a big smile. Clapping her hands and enjoying worship. I miss her.
She was easy to love. I always enjoyed her company. I was present to help her celebrate her 92nd birthday, and she was serenaded by Darryl with his sax. She loved it.! Darryl is also a member of the Grove community church.
We love you, LaVon. May our good Lord Jesus Christ comfort you and hold you in his dear loving arms daily, in heaven. I have no doubt u r bringing such joy to others in heaven. You certainly did on earth. Lord Jesus, take good care of her.!

Monika & Jeff

October 28, 2025

Sending our sincere condolences, sending prayers for comfort to your family.