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Barbara LaRae Laven

Posted 2025-05-03 by mhenderson
Published by Mohave Daily News Online from Apr. 11 to Apr. 18, 2025 -
Bullhead City, Arizona -

Barbara LaRae Laven, age 86, a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother,
aunt, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on
Saturday, February 22, 2025 in Chanute, Kansas with her loving husband,
daughter and her husband and son by her side.

She was born on May 27, 1938 in Sioux City, Iowa, survived polio in her
early youth and became a competitive accordion player. This is also
where she would meet her lifelong husband of 68 years. This was the
generation of "American Pie" the Jitter Bug and the king of rock and
roll. They would soon embark on a journey together that would lead them
to Southern California by way of military service. She soon would
participate in a popular Hollywood show, "Queen for a Day" and go on to
win her dream wedding. And later their first two children were born.

Soon they would return to Iowa for a few years where the third child was
born. Then it was back to California to be with family and sunshine.
Soon a job opportunity in Arizona presented itself and they were on the
move again. After a few years they would return to California all the
while honing her skills as wife, mother and homemaker. She loved us and
took excellent care of all of us. And she was a good cook, too. She
provided all needed physical and mental nourishment and that of the soul
as well.

Beyond music she also had a love for painting figurines and was quite
good at it. When the nest emptied, they got restless and headed for the
wild western coast of Arizona where they would settle in for a few
decades.

The family would soon spread out, north, south, east and west and grow
in numbers, and they would spend summers in Montana for a number of
years. Our parents' home was always a safe refuge for family members
dealing with life's challenges. Weddings were happening, and she was
there! Her grandchildren were her prize possession and she likewise was
theirs! She gave freely and endlessly on their behalf providing love,
support and encouragement. She was their biggest fan and defender. And
then more weddings were happening and she was there! It wasn't long and
the great-grandchildren were growing in number. She welcomed and loved
them with the same gusto. From Arizona the road led them to Kansas. The
final stop, the final blow of the train whistle if you will!

She gave us much, all, everything. I will miss her; we all will miss
her. God blessed us with my mother. She cared, cried, laughed, sang and
danced. She had a good adventure and is now resting in peace. May the
"War Bird" and her "Black Magic Cake" live on as family legend in
generations to come!

Cremation has taken place under the direction of Countryside Funeral
Home and no service is scheduled at this time.






Note: These obituaries are transcribed as published and are submitted by volunteers who have no connection to the families. They do not write the obituaries and have no further information other than what is posted within the obituaries. We do not do personal research. For this you would have to find a volunteer who does this or hire a professional researcher.

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