Laverna Gracia Mizner

Laverna Gracia (Reed) Mizner was born on February 22, 1925, at Haigler, Nebraska. She was always very proud of this birthday, as it was the same birthday of our first United States President. She seemed to have a bonding with George. She departed this earth on October 8, 2009, at the age of 84 years.

Laverna told us stories of how when she was young, they milked cows and had a dairy in Wray, Colordao. When the depression hit, people could not even pay 10 cents for a quart of milk. She also talked of how they tried to raise tomatoes for extra income and everybody else had the same thought. One time, Grandma Blanche and Laverna were hanging their feed in the irrigation ditch when they noticed ducks floating by. On further investigation, they found that the snapping turtles had bitten off the ducks heads.

Coming from a large family always meant being the one left in charge when her folks had other things to do. Laverna always felt that she needed to tend the flock, as she would always try and get everybody together.

Laverna was a people person. She would strike up a conversation with anyone at any time or any place. She initiated the family reunions and loved working. It gave her a reason to leave the house.

Laverna wore many hats. She was a mother, a mother-in-law, a grandmother, a great-grandmother, a sister, an aunt, and a friend. She was a teacher, a musician, a seamstress, and a baker. Her grandchildren called her the “muffin grandma” after her famous “little applesauce muffins”. And of course, we all know about her twisted cinnamon rolls. They were not rolled. They were twisted. Her homemade jelly was often pancake syrup, and her cookies were often “dunkers”. We ate them just the same. She loved to try new recipes and to host family dinners. She was proud to have so many nice dishes, and believed in using them.

Laverna had many collections. She collected Norman Rockwell, copper wall hangings, bronze statues, Iris and Herringbone, little green elves, blue vases, jewelry boxes, and elephants. She also displayed a sun catcher in her kitchen window for each great-grandchild born.

Laverna’s hands were always busy. She made needle points for the babies. She crocheted Christmas tree angels and tree skirts. She sewed quilt covers and Christmas bells. One of her big accomplishments was to write her family’s story. She did a lot of research on the genealogy before she put it down on paper. She also had a passion for gardening. Her houseplants were beautiful and her yard was gorgeous.

Laverna loved to travel and had her suitcase packed whenever the occasion arose. Most recently, she journeyed to Egypt with her son, Steve and his wife, Margaret. A short two months later, she was heading west to Hawaii with her daughter Beth Ann, and her husband, Bernie. While there she kept up with the younger generation by going horse back riding on the beach. She also spent time in England, Scotland, Brazil, Mexico, Canada, and much of the U.S.A.

Laverna was proud to say she was a graduate from Flager High School in the Year of 1942. She loved to attend the homecomings, and made every effort to attend this year’s events. It was that bother her two surviving brothers and one surviving sister were to be there that drove her to attend.

Laverna passed away with family by her bedside in Loveland, Colorado.

Survivors include two sons, Steve and Dwight Burgess; a daughter, Mrs. Bernie Cook (Beth Ann); two bothers, Ronald and Leonard Reed; a sister, Eleanor Short; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren. Laverna was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and five brothers and sisters.

Memorial graveside services will be Saturday, October 24, 2009, at 10:00 a.m., at the Burr Oak Cemetery, Burr Oak, Kansas, with Pastor Katharine Redpath officiating. Inurnment followed the service. The family suggests memorials to the Evangelical Lutheran Church, Mankato, Kansas.