LaVona Ruth Knight, of Ankeny, formerly of Charles City, Iowa, passed away at Taylor House Hospice, in Des Moines, on February 18, 2017. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, April 8, 2017, 10:30 a.m. at Riverside Cemetery, in Charles City (if there is inclement weather, family and friends will gather at Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City prior to going to the cemetery).
LaVona was born on May 4, 1913 in Charles City. She graduated from Charles City High School in 1931. After graduation, she attended Iowa Normal School for one semester. She married the love of her life, Merrill G. Knight, on May 23, 1936. After Merrill’s death in 1959, she and Chuck moved back to Charles City from California.
LaVona worked in the food and beverage industry for many years, before retiring to help take care of her two grandsons. She loved spending time playing with and reading to them. As they grew older, she also enjoyed watching and hearing about their participation in athletics, band, chorus, and their other school events and activities. She took great joy in their accomplishments as they graduated college, married and had families. She also was very proud of their success in their professional careers. She especially enjoyed spending time and visiting with her family and friends. She loved to read, keeping up with current events, dancing, listening to music, and playing cards. She simply truly loved life!
LaVona is survived by her son Merrill C. (Chuck) and daughter-in-law Beverly (Crawford); her grandsons Brad and Kipp (Anna); three great-grandchildren, Hailee, Jerzee, and Grayson; as well as sisters, Glendola DeWalle and Elaine Cross; her sister-in-law Cleo Cross; along with a host of nieces and nephews.
LaVona was preceded in death by her husband, Merrill G. Knight; her parents Charles and Meta Ruth Cross; brothers, Harvey and Wendall Cross; sisters, Lila Cline, Lorraine Eytcheson, Marlys Young, Shirley (Corky) Minnis, and Alberta (Jo) Broderick.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to St. Jude Hospital, Taylor House Hospice, or the Animal Rescue League of Iowa.
Hauser Funeral Home, (641) 228-2323, in Charles City, is in charge of local arrangements. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hauserfh.com.
