Viola LaVerne Wood

Viola LaVerne Wood, 96, of Aberdeen, Idaho, passed away on May 17, 2013 at her home in Aberdeen.

LaVerne was born in Sterling, Idaho on November 30, 1916, on a blizzard-filled Thanksgiving Day, to the proud parents John William and Florence Hardy Jones.

She attended grammar school in the old town of Grandview and 2 years of high school in Aberdeen. She walked 2 miles night and morning to catch the bus to school and come home. Sometimes she rode a horse in the winter.  She graduated from AHS in 1933 at 16 years of age.  She spent 2 years at Idaho State Southern Branch, now known as ISU and 2 years at Utah State University in Logan. Laverne Graduated with a BS degree in June 1937. She taught high school English for 18 years at Aberdeen High, as well as directing Pep club for 16 years.  She also taught at Ririe, Moore, Pingree, Sterling & Grandview.  Her teaching accumulated to over 30 years. 

Although she and Everett attended USU at the same time they did not meet until later when Everett came to Aberdeen.  LaVerne married Everett Koford Wood in the Salt Lake Temple on August 6, 1943.  Laverne worked on the family farm with husband all her married life.  After having a stillborn daughter June 25, 1946, they were blessed with a rambunctious baby girl they named Bonnie Lynn. She was born July 18, 1955. It has been said that she was the biggest blessing in their lives.

As a Member of the LDS church, she served in all auxiliaries except young men including RS counselor and President, MIA Ward and Stake President and teacher.  With her husband she served in the Arizona Tempe Mission.  (Pima Tribe and Gila River Reservation really loved her and her husband and what they did for their people, says Priscilla BearHand.) Later she volunteered as an Ordinance Worker in the Idaho Falls Temple for 10 ½ years and donated her time as well to the Family History Prep program for 15 years.

LaVerne was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Everett Wood; as well as two brothers and three sisters. She is survived by her daughter, Bonnie Wood; her four grandsons Paul Dopp, Jordon Dopp, Christiano Miera, and Dustin Miera; her nieces and nephews and her 9 great grandchildren.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday May 22, 2013 at Lakeview Ward in Springfield, Idaho. Bishop Harker will be officiating. Burial will follow the funeral at Aberdeen Cemetery. Viewing will start at 9:30 a.m. at the church before the funeral.  The Family wishes to thank all for their kindness and service to our mother and grandmother. Memories and Condolences may be shared at www.davisrosemortuary.com.