Mary A. Lavender, 97, formerly of George, passed away peacefully in her home while surrounded by loved ones on Thursday, November 14, 2019.
Her funeral service will be 2:00 PM Monday, November 18 at George Boom Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory, Sioux Falls, with burial at Hills of Rest Cemetery. Visitation begins at 1:00 PM Monday, November 18 at the funeral home, where the family will greet friends until the start of the service.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Mary to the charity of your choice.
Maryanna Pearl Ray, daughter of Earl and Gussie (Olin) Ray, was born December 13, 1921 in Norfolk, NE. She grew up there. Mary graduated from nursing school in Omaha, NE. It was there she met her future husband, John Lavender, who was attending medical school.
Mary and John were united in marriage on November 7, 1942 in Omaha. The couple made their home in George, IA where John established his medical practice. The couple was blessed with three children, John Jr., Mary and Louise. Mary and John attended Immanuel Lutheran Church and were active in Republican politics. Mary was appointed by the Governor to a Judicial Selection Committee and was active in both Boy and Girl Scouting.
Mary will be remembered for her beautiful smile, warm heart, her strong Christian faith and her lifelong romance with her beloved husband.
Grateful for having shared her life are three children, John Lavender Jr. and his wife, Natalie, Sioux Falls, SD, Mary Van Loh and her husband, Ronald, Sioux Falls, SD, Louise Rouse and her husband, Philip, Denver, CO; and four grandchildren. Mary also treasured her sister Geraldine’s only child, Rae Ann Schmeichel and her husband, Ron, Lincoln, NE.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband, John, on July 13, 2009; her parents, Earl and Gussie Ray; and her sister, Geraldine “Jerry” Baldridge.
