Marianne “LaVerne” Yuhas, 93, passed away quietly on March 5, 2017 and went to be with her beloved husband and best friend Quintin in Heaven.
LaVerne was born on December 2, 1923 to John and Teresa Traufer in Helena Montana. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Quintin Yuhas. She is survived by her son Ron Yuhas and daughter-in law Peggy Cumming Yuhas; her granddaughters Andrea Amundson, Jodi Amundson, Lesli Amundson, Lori Keck, grandsons Den and Daniel Culwell 7 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.
LaVerne attended Helena schools and graduated from Helena High School in 1941. She attended the University of Montana for a short time before returning to Helena to work for the U.S. Weather Service at the airport. It was shortly after moving back to Helena that LaVerne met the love of her life Quintin Yuhas at a picnic on McDonald Pass. They were married on May 7, 1949 with the reception being held at the Traufer home. LaVerne began working at the family business Yuhas Millwork Company as a bookkeeper and continued there for over 55 years. The only thing that ever made her mad was when her son Ron pointed out something he called “bookkeeper error”.
LaVerne loved to be involved in organizations and help for the Helena Community. The list of all she was involved in is huge but it includes: Tray favors for the old St. John’s Hospital for over 15 years which estimated to be over 12,000 items; a similar amount for the St. Peter’s Hospital for which she received a pin for 5000 volunteer hours; officer in Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and state chairman; President of Helena Woman’s Club during the 100th year anniversary; area chairman for the Cancer drive and Heart drive; chairman for the St. Peter’s Charity Ball; chairman for Cystic Fibrosis drive; chairman for the Community Chest drive; decorations for the State PTA convention in Helena; den mother for the Cub Scouts; chairman for the Montana Arts Festival in Helena several times; recipient of the “Woman of the Year for Distinguished Service for the Community” given by the Helena Jaycees Club; charter member of Soroptimist Heritage Club of Helena; 73 year member and past Worthy Matron of Josephine Hepner Chapter #89 Order of the Eastern Star; past Queen of Sapphira Temple # 79 Daughters of the Nile; charter member of the Little Red School House restoration; Decoration chairman for Algeria Shrine Centennial banquet and ball just to name a few.
LaVerne had a love for all animals as a young child which continued throughout her whole life. She rode horses in a Trail Blazers Club as a teenager, had many cats and dogs in her life and several Scottish Terriers that she adored in recent years.
Holidays were very important family days to LaVerne with Christmas being her favorite of all. She would decorate every room in her house to the max and would have big dinner parties. LaVerne liked to invite people over who did not have somewhere to go for the Holiday.
LaVerne married Quintin Yuhas on May 7, 1949. They were best friends and close companions for over 50 years. A beautiful 50th Wedding Anniversary was held at the Elks Club in Helena with many guests present. LaVerne and Quintin held many back yard parties at their house for friends and organizations. In July of 2013 an early 90th birthday party was hosted by Ron and Peggy Yuhas in Laverne’s back yard with a large gathering of family and friends. An event for the ages.
In later years they would take their Airstream trailer to San Diego California during the winter months. LaVerne and Quintin loved San Diego and visited relatives in the area.
LaVerne was able to live at her home with her Scotty dog Roddy the first part of her 93rd year. A kind and loving Mother, wife and friend that just always had be helping and doing things. A life well lived. The family would like to thank the Big Sky Nursing Home staff and Hospice for their care.
A service celebrating LaVerne’s life will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday March 11th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. Burial will follow at Forestvale Cemetery with a reception immediately after at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers memorials in LaVerne’s name are suggested to Josephine Hepner #89 Order of the Eastern Star, 2031 Choteau St. Helena MT 59601 or Lewis and Clark Humane Society PO Box 4455 Helena MT 59601. Please see below to offer a condolence to the family or share a memory of LaVerne.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
1:30 p.m.
Saturday March 11, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the Celebration Life
Saturday March 11, 2017
Forestvale Cemetery
Helena, Montana
Reception
Following the Burial
Saturday March 11, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, M 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
1:30 p.m.
Saturday March 11, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the Celebration Life
Saturday March 11, 2017
Forestvale Cemetery
Helena, Montana
Reception
Following the Burial
Saturday March 11, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, M 59602
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Debbie Ennis says
03-08-17
To Ron and Peggy and all of Laverne’s Family,
My sincere condolences in hearing the news of Laverne’s passing. She was an inspiration to all and aged to perfection! To make it to the ripe old age of 93 is a shining testimony of that!
I was always awed at how much that spry and spunky little lady could handle. She was at the heart of many social groups. A shining example of how keeping busy and involved, nurtures, restores and rejuvenates the inner well-being of herself and of the many that were blessed to get to know her a little.
The last time I remember visiting with her, I remember thinking her mind is sharp as a tack and a real pleasure to visit with. I felt bad that her back was hurting her so much and that it was hard for her to do the things she loved to do.
I remember, She always planned dinner parties and went out of her way to include new and old aquaintces to enlarge the social circles. Now, these dinners were served on fine china and in many courses. Her guests were treated like royalty, a truly awesome experience. A good and loyal servant to her Friends, Family and God, I’m sure.
Not every Mother could say that she made her Son a home-made chocolate cake from scratch every year for his Birthday and her recipe is a tasty one! She always had her Scotty dogs to nurture and they loved her in return also. I cannot see a Scotty Dog and not remember Laverne.
I have respect for Lavern and they way she handled herself in adversity. It is not easy getting on with life after losing a spouse and she did it gracefully.
I’m certain; Laverne and Quentin are having a glorious reunion and dancing amongst those heavenly stars. They will be most certainly, looking out for their family and friends and all the furry friends that are left down here on earth.
So, Lavern, enjoy your reunion! Do get some much needed rest, for you worked so hard for so long. We’ll miss you, but we will see you again someday too. Enjoy your rewards in Heaven!
Sincerely with Love and Respect,
Debbie Ennis
Diane says
To the Ron and the Yuhas family
I was sorry to learn that your mom passed away. I have had the pleasure of knowing her for many years. What a wonderful and gracious lady. May God be with you at this difficult time. With deepest sympathy Diane Richter Pedersen
Sherrie Bertrand says
To Ron and family
Sorry for your loss.took care of your mom at the nursing home.before I left a she will be missed.your mom was a very nice lady to take care of
Florence Armagost says
Ron and all of Laverne’s family
My first memory of Laverne was an invitation for coffee shortly after I moved to Helena, followed by an invite to her home. Luncheon invites, Christmas parties, meetings of all kinds – always elegantly served food on china and with crystal. The food was so delicious. If you left her home hungry, it was your fault. Christmas holiday decorations had to have taken her months to put up and then take down and pack away. Ron as you go through each box I’m sure the memories flood your mind. She truly was an example of how to share your life with so many groups and individuals. Laverne and Quintin are celebrating being reunited in heaven. Prayers for comfort and peace.