LaVerne Edris Sawyer June 6, 1923 - March 6, 2018

LaVerne Edris Sawyer (called "Lu" by many friends and family) was born to Clara and Eddie Holm on June 6, 1923 in Moorhead, Minnesota. She was the oldest of four children and resided in Minnesota until she moved to the San Francisco Bay Area to work in the shipyards during the war.

She met Wesley Sawyer in San Jose, California, and they were married in July of 1947.

Their son Tom was born in 1953 and daughter Gayle in 1956. In 1963, the family moved from San Jose to the redwoods of Scotts Valley, California. There they were active in their local church and community, and hosted many gatherings of friends and family. LaVerne loved to bake and she carried on her family's tradition of making Scandinavian cookies at Christmas. She was also an accomplished seamstress.

In 1990, Wes and LaVerne moved to Salem, and then to Sisters in 2001. After Wes died in 2004, LaVerne stayed on in their home, living independently and enjoying the company of family and friends. During her 16+ years in Sisters, LaVerne faithfully attended Sisters Community Church, volunteered for Heartwarmers, and checked Bi-Mart lucky numbers every Tuesday for several friends and family. At 94 years of age, LaVerne was still driving herself and friends to activities in Sisters and looked for any opportunity to be helpful to those around her.

LaVerne was preceded in death by her husband, Wes; sister, Darlene Hightower; and brother, Duane Holm.

She is survived by her sister, Ava Orr; son, Tom Sawyer; daughter, Gayle Sawyer; and her grandchildren; and great-grandchildren, all of whom will forever miss her sweet presence.

A memorial service will be held on March 31 at 3 p.m. at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Sisters.