Lavon lived a life defined by kindness, quiet strength, and deep devotion to the people she loved.
She was born on June 10, 1945, in Galveston, Texas to Richard and Frances (DeGennaro) Hartle. She and her family soon moved to California where she grew up and went on to work for Redken for nearly 15 years. It was through her work at Redken that she met her husband, Mike.
Lavon married Mike on October 8, 1977, and moved to Kansas City where together they built a life grounded in loyalty, humor, and a partnership that never wavered. Their years together were filled with devotion to family, shared routines, inside jokes, and a steady companionship that shaped every chapter of their lives.
In addition to being an incredibly loving and present wife, mother, and friend, Lavon was also a passionate and dedicated volunteer at Queen of the Holy Rosary Grade School, where she gave countless hours of her time. She had a way of making others feel seen and cared for, whether through small acts of kindness or the calm presence she brought into a room. She touched so many lives.
Lavon loved to read, sew, bake, watch the History Channel, and organize and re-organize her home. She was always working to make things better. She went to great lengths to preserve family history and share it with her daughters. She loved the sound of the ocean and passed on that love to her daughters with many cherished trips to the Pacific Ocean.
Lavon found such joy in her girls and their children. She loved being “Gaga” more than anything else and spoiled her grandchildren every change she got.
She is survived by her husband, Mike Mathews; daughters, Mindy Nanos (Kyle), and Stephanie Wagner (Aaron); grandchildren, Winnie, Thad, and Meryn, who will forever carry her memory in their hearts. She is also survived by her nephew, Kurt Hartle. Lavon was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Frances Hartle; brother, Rick Hartle; and nephew, Eric Hartle.
A service honoring her life will be held on Tuesday. February 24th at Queen of the Holy Rosary Church (7023 West 71st Street, Overland Park, Kansas). Visitation will be at 9:30 am followed by a Memorial Mass at 10:30 am. Graveside services will be followed at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Kansas City, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to John Paul II Catholic School in Overland Park, Kansas.
