Memorial Services for LaVerne Haynes, age 101, of Grand Island and formerly of O'Neill, will be 1:30 pm Friday, July 30, 2021 at the United Methodist Church in O'Neill. Pastor Brian Loy will officiate. LaVerne passed away on Friday, September 4, 2020 at Azria Heath Nursing Home in Grand Island. Memorials may be directed to the United Methodist Church in O'Neill or the American Red Cross. Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill is in charge of arrangements.

LaVerne Esther Nissen was born on October 24, 1918 near Osmond, Nebraska to Peter and Alma (Fuelberth) Nissen. She grew up on a farm near Page, NE and graduated from Page High School in 1936.

LaVerne married Laurence Haynes on Jan 14, 1940 in Page, Nebraska. To this union, 5 children were born; Larry, Lynda, Lonna, Laurell, and LeEllen. When Laurence entered the Army Air Corp in 1942, she followed him to his stations in Texas and California. In 1948, they finally settled in O'Neill where LaVerne dedicated her life to her family and community.

She was the ultimate volunteer for her children's many activities and served others through church work, Meals-on-Wheels, and Red Cross blood drives. LaVerne was a member of O'Neill United Methodist Church.

LaVerne loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and many friends. The kitchen was the center of the home and she always had fresh baked cookies ready for anyone who dropped by to visit. In later years, she enjoyed many afternoons, with needle and thread in hand, at her church quilting circle.

LaVerne is survived by four children, Larry (Ginny) Haynes of Omaha, Lonna Bourn of Greenacres, Florida, Laurell Haynes of Greenacres, Florida, LeEllen Haynes of Grand Island; nine grandchildren, Michael (Mary) Buss, Jonathan (Cathy) Buss, Matthew (Jane) Buss, Michaela Bourn, Kevin (Abbie) Bourn, Liza (Aaron) Simonson, Kristin (Brian) Manning, Katie (Josh) Buxton, James Haynes; 16 great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

LaVerne was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Laurence in 2000; her daughter, Lynda Buss in 2020; and two son-in-laws, Marvin Buss and Kenneth Bourn.