LaVerne Marie Parker (née Stratman) was born on October 24, 1938, in Shelby, Montana, to Joseph and Cecilia Stratman. She returned to our Father in Heaven’s arms on August 2, 2026, while residing in Hot Springs, South Dakota. LaVerne was one of fourteen children and learned the value of hard work at an early age. Growing up in Shelby, she attended Shelby High School, where she was a proud baton twirler. She was spirited, fun-loving, and just mischievous enough to keep life interesting. One of her favorite adventures as a teenager was cruising Main Street with her friends, occasionally removing the valve caps from cop cars just for the laughter it brought. Those who knew her best understood that her playful nature and unmistakable laugh were simply part of who she was. Although she could be feisty and independent, LaVerne's heart was deeply rooted in her family. She was especially devoted to her beloved mother, Cecilia, and cherished the close bond she shared with her brothers and sisters throughout her life. LaVerne married Richard Johnson, and together they had four children. The marriage later ended in divorce. In 1971, she married Burt Parker. That marriage also later ended in divorce. Through life's many challenges, LaVerne became a strong and determined single mother, raising her children alone through most of their childhood. She taught them to be resilient, self-reliant, and to believe in their own strength. She built a successful career with Mountain Bell, remaining with the company through its transition to U.S. West. In 1982, her work brought her to Salt Lake City, Utah, where she moved with her youngest daughter, Jackie. Before long, the rest of her children followed, bringing the family together once again. Even after moving away from Montana, LaVerne never stopped calling it home. One of the greatest joys of her life was making several trips each year back to Shelby to spend time with her beloved mother, her brothers and sisters, and the dozens of nieces and nephews she adored. Those visits were filled with laughter, storytelling, reminiscing, and the kind of family gatherings that became treasured memories for everyone fortunate enough to be there.

LaVerne retired from US West in 1998 and returned home to Shelby Mt. to live with her beloved Sister Tootie and Brother LeRoy where they laughed and enjoyed retirement together.

LaVerne loved reading, adored cats, and found great comfort in the familiar beauty of her Montana home. While life brought its share of hardships and disappointments, she met them with remarkable determination and an enduring sense of humor. Her laughter was genuine, contagious, and impossible to forget. Above all else, LaVerne treasured her family. Time spent laughing with her grandchildren was among the happiest moments of her life. They were her greatest pride, and the love she had for them was evident in everything she did.

LaVerne faced many challenges in her life from the trials of raising a family on her own, relationship struggles, to loss and a loneliness that lived just behind her eyes. She conquered each of these setbacks with determination and strength coming out a stronger woman and example to those who admired and looked up to her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Cecilia Stratman; her daughter, Christine DeMill; her grandson, Jeremy DeMill; and her siblings, Marion, Harry, Sylvester, William, Sylvia, Lorraine, Donald, Robert, Gerald, Margaret, Doreen ("Tootie"), Leona, and Leroy. She is survived by her children, Brian Johnson (Debbie) of Hot Springs, South Dakota; Doreen DeMill (Kent) of Sandy, Utah; and Jacqueline Olson (Reo) of Bluffdale, Utah; her 18 grandchildren Krystal, Andrew, Crystal, Leslie, Hope, Tyson, Brianne, Kristopher, Braiden, Cassidy, Aaron, Justine, Jameson, Deacon , Jessica, Ryan and Jeremy, and her 11 great-grandchildren, Madden, Oakland, Aria. Sofi, Cecilia, Furio, Harper, Raven, Serenity, Reo and Nixon

LaVerne will be laid to rest at Mountain View Cemetery in Shelby, Montana, with her parents and many of her beloved siblings. A celebration of her life will be announced at a later date. Though her journey was not always easy, LaVerne faced it with courage, determination, wit, and an unmistakable laugh. She leaves behind a family strengthened by her example and countless memories that will continue to bring smiles for years to come. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew and loved her.