Lavesta Anna Sherman

Lavesta Sherman, 87, passed away Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at her home in Modesto after a short illness. She was born in Addieville, Illinois to parents, Arthur and Clara Althoff. She moved with her family as a young girl to California. She attended Modesto High School and after graduating she married her high school sweetheart, William R. Sherman, upon his return from serving in the U.S. Navy on August 8, 1952.

She was a long-time resident of Modesto where she remained an employee of Modesto City School District for over 40 years working at Thomas Downey High School and Fred C. Beyer High School. She was a familiar smiling face who touched the lives of countless teenagers many of whom visited with her daily while she worked in the attendance office – she was much loved and many simply called her “mom.”

Lavesta and her husband loved to travel. Their travels began in their youth and they enjoyed many cross-country and international trips with family and friends throughout their lives. After retirement, she particularly enjoyed RVing and square-dancing with her husband and they developed many great friendships.

Lavesta was devoted to her family and installed a love of fun in all of them – game nights playing cards or Aggravation were common and boisterous. Many jigsaw puzzles were put together during her lifetime and all of her kids from the oldest to the youngest shared special time with her working on them together.

She was proceeded in death by her husband of 61 years, Bill, as well as her daughter, Cynthia Hammons. She is survived by her children Kathleen Yarnal, Christine Ellis (husband Kenn), and son-in-law, Kent Hammons, as well as 7 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at Lakewood Memorial Park in Hughson. Visitation will be held on Monday, March 22, 2021 in the Heritage Chapel from 9:00 am to 10:00 am with a graveside service to follow in Memory Garden.