Big Rapids – LaVonne L. Shepherd, 79, of Big Rapids, passed away Thursday, July 10, 2008, at Spectrum Health Butterworth in Grand Rapids. 
 
She was born April 22, 1929, in Big Rapids, the daughter of Robert and Frances (Stephens) Leggett, and graduated from Big Rapids High School in 1947.
 
LaVonne lived in Big Rapids her entire life, and for over 25 years she worked in the Automotive Department at Ferris State University until her retirement.  She loved gardening, and her special Yorkie “Punkin”.
 
LaVonne was preceded in death by her 2 sons, Mike and Mark.  Surviving are her 2 daughters-in-law, Karen Shepherd of Grand Ledge, and Janie Shepherd and her husband Mike Worthington of Big Rapids; 5 grandchildren, Stacey Carter, Douglas (Lezah) Shepherd, Jill (Jeremy) Crosby, Christopher (Shawna) Shepherd, and Ryan Shepherd and his fiancée Dana Smith; 5 great-grandchildren, Megan and Mariah Shiels, Brianna, Devin, and Marcus Shepherd; 2 sisters, Louise Denney of Grand Rapids, and Janice (Harold) Hoekwater of Upland, CA; and several nieces and nephews.   

Funeral services will be 12:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 15, 2008, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, with Rev. Laurel Dahill officiating.  Burial will be in the Pine Plains Cemetery.  Memorial contributions for the Manna Pantry at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church of Big Rapids may be left at the funeral home, where LaVonne’s family will greet after 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday.  A luncheon will follow at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Big Rapids.

Tags: Obituaries //