LaVernne Johnson, 76, of Gorham, Kansas, died on Wednesday, March 27, 2013, at the Golden Living Center in Wilson, Kansas.

LaVernne was born on November 21, 1936, in Rooks County, Kansas, the daughter of Vernon and Leah (Mayo) Matheson.  She grew up in the Natoma, Kansas area and graduated from Natoma High School in 1954.  She was married to Chester Webster on June 23, 1954.  Later she was married to Carl Johnson.  Both Chester and Carl preceded her in death.  She worked as a cook at Irene’s Café in Russell.  She was a member of the Methodist Church but stopped attending when her health began to get worse.  She enjoyed going to auctions and shopping for bargains at the Thrift Store.  She also enjoyed bingo, crocheting, jigsaw puzzles, playing cards and hummingbirds.  She loved performing volunteer work and spending time with friends.  Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. 

Surviving family include her daughter Doris Steinert and husband Don Vest of St. John, Kansas and son Henry D. Webster of Shawnee, Oklahoma; brothers Verneal Matheson of Holcomb, Kansas and Calvin Matheson and wife Renee’ of Iola, Kansas; sisters Verna Munk and husband Charles of Gorham, Kansas and Mary Logsdon and husband Max of Ponca City, Oklahoma; 1 grandchild, 5 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.

LaVernne was preceded in death by her parents, her two husbands Chester and Carl and sister Patricia Brown

A graveside celebration of LaVernne’s life will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, March 30, 2013 at the Mt. Hermon Cemetery near Paradise, Kansas with Pastor Sharon Thomas officiating.  Burial will follow immediately after the graveside service.  Visitation will be from 9 AM to 8 PM on Friday, March 29, 2013 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell with the family present to greet friends from 6 PM to 7 PM.  Memorials may be given to the Russell Food Pantry and sent in care of the mortuary.  Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, is in charge of the funeral arrangements.