April 7, 1923 – Sept. 21, 2016

LaVonne Ruby (Bullington) Broadway passed away on Sept. 21. Born April 7, 1923 on the family farm in Lake Preston, South Dakota she came to California in 1941 at the young age of 18. When her father passed away in 1942, she returned to South Dakota to support her mother and younger siblings. In 1943, seeing more opportunities in California, LaVonne returned where she went to work for Lockheed Aircraft.

While working at Lockheed, she met Lee Fountain Broadway and their romance began. Married in 1945 at Bethany Lutheran Church, Hollywood, they lived in the valley until 1954 when they built their house on Carol Park in Montrose. There they raised their two girls and enjoyed a close knit group of neighbors and friends.  With great foresight, they later moved to La Crescenta Avenue where they would live out their lives.

LaVonne is preceded in death by her husband Lee, both parents and all 10 brothers and sisters. She is survived by her two daughters Bonnie Mortimer of Montrose and Nadine (Barry) Moore of Phoenix, Arizone. LaVonne is also survived by granddaughter Dawn Meade of San Bernardino, grandson Dennis Meade of La Crescenta and grandson and wife Aaron and Cassandra Moore of Glendale, Arizona.

LaVonne was well accomplished, respected and her counsel was sought by all who knew her. LaVonne and her husband were part of the four founding couples of Gethsemane Lutheran Church. LaVonne continued serving the church as an active member of the choir, LWML, VBS, Sunday School and Chancel guild until her declining health prevented her from regular attendance.

LaVonne believed in giving back to her community and regularly worked at the Lutheran High School Thrift Store while also volunteering for many other community organizations. LaVonne’s strong faith was seen in everything she did and was a testament to the glory of God.

LaVonne delighted in her large family and appreciated the opportunity to meet new people as she counted all friends as part of her extended family. She took great pleasure in painting and the joy of traveling and loved to dance, enjoying all kinds of music. LaVonne left a legacy of giving and loving and, while her presence will be missed by many, she will be remembered by all as we carry her memories in our hearts. The family encourages everyone to share their LaVonne stories with us through posting at forestlawn.tributes.com.

Pastor Jim Edwards and Pastor John Rieck will officiate at the memorial service on Oct. 1 at noon at Gethsemane Lutheran Church, 2723 Orange Ave. in La Crescenta accompanied by Julia Rieck. The graveside service will be held Monday, Oct. 3 at 10 a.m. at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills where she will be laid to rest beside her husband Lee.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking donations be made in LaVonne’s name to Gethsemane Lutheran Church, Girl Scouts at GSSGC.org or The Kidney Foundation at kidney.org.