LaVern Phillips
July 16, 1928 ~ November 30, 2020
LaVern Phillips, 92, of Huron and formerly of Miller, passed away Monday, November 30, 2020 at Avantara in Huron, SD.
Private burial will take place at G.A.R. Cemetery, Miller, with Pastor Teresa Whetsel officiating.
LaVern, an only child, was born July 16, 1928, to Alexander and Alma (Rediger) Haeffner on a farm near Ree Heights, South Dakota. She attended country school through the 8th grade. The family needed her to help support the family. She would take a bus to Huron to clean rooms at the college during the week and return to the family farm on the weekends.
A day came when a handsome young man got stuck in the mud near her family’s farm. He needed help being pulled out of the mud which LaVern did with a tractor. The man ended up being Gearold Phillips and they would later marry March 9, 1947. Together they made their life and raising four children: Sandra Kay, Barbara Ann, Michael Gene, and Judy Renee. Gearold and LaVern worked alongside each other working on the farm, forming a true partnership. Gearold passed away November 14, 1992. After his passing, LaVern moved into Miller and went to work as a cook at Community Oil.
LaVern was an active member of Greenleaf Methodist Church and involved in the Methodist Women, Jolly Stichers, and Red Hats. In her free time, she enjoyed shopping but most of all, she loved her family, especially grandchildren. LaVern was known to be an amazing hostess and always having Cherry Delight and sugar cookies ready. She kept an impeccable house. In 2016 she moved to Aberdeen and then later Huron.
Her memory will be cherished by her children: Sandra (Lonnie) Bakken of Mina Lake, Barbara Paul of Fort Pierre, Michael Phillips of Sioux Falls, and Judy (Blaine) Rodacker of Huron; grandchildren: Lonnia Jorgenson, Brett (Elizabeth) Bakken, Benjaman Paul, Ian (Kathy) Paul, Amy (Travis) Welles, Christian (Jessica) Rodacker, and Ceara Rodacker; 12 great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; brother, Norman (Paulette) Haeffner of Sioux Falls; and many nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death were her parents; husband; and grandson, Charles.
Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with LaVern's arrangements.
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Laverne was my mom too, I was at home on the Phillips Ranch for much of my Jr & Sr High years! She was the sweetest lady! Fond memories of my time there! One memory I have is after we would eat she would do all the dishes and then get lotion in her hand and go sit with Dad and watch tv as she would rub the lotion on her hands. It’s the little moments we remember! Love ya Mom, will miss your smile!
Your daughter from another mother, Gina
My sincere sympathy to the family of LaVern Phillips.
You all have my deepest condolences. She will be missed by all. I will treasure my memories of working with her at Apco. She was the sweetest lady!!
Judy and family, my thoughts and prayers go out to you. I know you will miss your Mother deeply. I can definitely say I know how you feel and that empty feeling that you have right now. We will get through together Judy. Love you Debbie
Laverne was my mom’s neighbor and friend (Shirley Elder). When I would visit, your Mom was always so sweet! It was nice that they were at the assisted living together, also. We were lucky to have such good Moms-blessings to you!
So sorry for your loss, I remember fondly going out to the farm in my younger days
Many memories of times together growing up. I do remember her sugar cookies. They were always there. Prayers to the family.
So sorry for your looks she was a lovely lady. Had the sweetest smile