In memory of

LaVerna Shepherd

Nov 4, 1937
Sep 7, 2017

Obituary

Our mother LaVerna Jean (Svoboda) Shepherd passed September 7, 2017 after a very short battle with cancer at home with her loving family.

LaVerna was born on Nov 4th, 1937 in Dorchester, Nebraska. She and her identical twin, LaVina, were the youngest of eight children born to Gladys (Novotny) and John Svoboda.

LaVerna graduated from Lincoln High School in 1955 and then she married Rollin Lee "Shep" Shepherd in 1963 and shortly after moved to Oregon where LaVerna worked for Judson Middle School for 23 years until her retirement. LaVerna and Shep met though the Pioneer group at First Baptist in Lincoln, NE and were very instrumental in putting together the Pioneer reunion in 2000 which was attended by over 75 past Pioneers from all over the country.

Shep passed in 2005 after 41 years of marriage survived by their children Dane and Troy Shepherd, Tawnya & (Ryan) Zwicker and 4 grandchildren; Andrew, Katie, Riley Zwicker and Cheyenne Shepherd which are all still residing in Salem, and two sisters Twilia Forgarty and LaVina Hagan.

Over the last 15 years LaVerna donated her time to the Salem Assistance League and worked at her daughter's bowling center in Silverton for the last 11years, where she spent more time with family and enjoyed watching her grandchildren bowl.

She was so loved by so many who wanted to spend time with her which was always limited by the vast amount of friends and family that surrounded her.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like memorial donations may be made to the Salem Assistance League.

VC Home

A private family gathering will be held.

Service Information

Private Family Gathering

Gallery

Messages of Sympathy

  1. Gene R. Niebuhr gniebuhr1@neb.rr.com says:

    I knew La Verna and LaVina when they were at Crete Nebr. in 1955 and 56 that's when they moved to Lincoln Nebr. and did know or where they went after that

  2. Sylvia Heidenreich Cadwell says:

    Sincere Condolences to the whole family.

  3. Pat Seip says:

    I have so many memories of LaVerna. High school and Pioneers and roommates. Know she will be missed. I know Shep will be there to welcome her.

  4. Gene R. Niebuhr gniebuhr1@neb.rr.com says:

    So sad to here of your mothers passing I knew her And LaVina from Crete Nebr. High school 1955 and 56 then they moved to Lincoln never knew where they were after that

  5. Anonymous says:

    I remember the twins ( one set of several in our class) as always being such sweet and friendly girls -- loss is never easy but one has to go on with all the beautiful memories they gave us.
    My sympathy - Addie (Boles) Lancaster

  6. Wayne & Judy Strickler says:

    Thank you for sharing LaVerna's obit. It brought back fond memories of the Pioneer group. All the wild and crazy things we did. But knowing that she and Shep are together again helps. Maybe the two of them will organize a heavenly Pioneer group reunion.

  7. Bill Derieg says:

    Very sad to hear LaVerna passed. both she and Shep were good friends back in their Lincoln days. I remember many good times at gatherings in Shep's house in Lincoln. Extremely sorry for your Loss!

  8. Janice Sherman says:

    I loved your Mother so much and know it will be difficult for you in the following days and years, but she will always be in your heart. Having just recently losing my sweet husband, Bernie, I can tell you it will not be easy. I would have loved to have seen LaVerna one more time. Blessings to you.

  9. Johnson Funeral Home Staff says:

    Laverna raised a wonderful family. May all who knew her find peace and comfort in their grief. Thank you for trusting Johnson Funeral Home.

  10. Pam & Jim Ballard and the Beggs family says:

    We were so sad to hear of LaVerna's passing. We haven't seen her in years but will always remember many occasions with her long ago when we all lived in Lincoln Nebraska. We send sympathy to her entire family and pray God will give you comfort in special memories of her.

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