LaVerne Shanks

1935-2021

Posted

LaVerne Marlene Shanks, 86, Highgate, passed away Monday, Aug.30, 2021, at the University of Columbia Hospital.

She was born Feb. 26, 1935, to Lee Fredrick and Kathryn Elizabeth (Sneedle) Schmelz, in Jefferson County.

She was united in marriage to Stanley Shanks, in 1983, in Highgate.

LaVerne attended the Highgate Baptist Church and drove a school bus for the St. James R-1 School district for 36 years.

She is preceded in death by parents Lee and Kathryn; husband Stanley; son Donald Buchmiller; brothers Leo and Herbert Schmelz; and sisters Mary Crull-Kley and Irene Hodge.

Laverne is survived by children Stanley and wife Priscilla Buchmiller of Washington state, Donna Sue and husband David Skinner of South Haven, Mich., Betty Buchmiller of Vichy, Frank Buchmiller of Highgate, Mary and husband Joe Layton of Dittmer, Kathy Meyer of St. Roberts, and Cindy Smith of Holland, Mich.; sister Mildred Kley of New Haven; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Internment services were held Friday, Sept. 3, at the Highgate Baptist Cemetery.

Arrangements entrusted to Sassmann’s Chapel, Belle.