LaVonne Georgia Spivey

DECEMBER 1, 1924 – JULY 21, 2023

LaVonne Spivey made her graceful exit on July 21, 2023, having made a profound impact on those fortunate to know her and love her. She was a champion all around: of golf, of humor and hospitality, of hard work, of laughs, and most of all, she was a passionate champion for her family.

LaVonne was the third child of George William Blewittt and Caroline Anna “Carrie” Clausen, born on December 1, 1924, in Cook Township Sac County south of Schaller, Iowa. She attended Cook Township Country School and graduated from Schaller High School with the class of 1942. She married a local farmer, Ivan F. Selberg, in June 1944, and welcomed four children: Beverly, Linda, Richard, and Les. The family farmed west of Ringsted, Iowa, in Jack Creek Township, Emmet County until Ivan’s death in November 1956. LaVonne and her young children moved back to Schaller, where she worked at the State Bank of Schaller for nine years. In June 1966, she married local farmer Larry Spivey. Each bringing two daughters and two sons to the union, the Spiveys blended their families and farmed there for more than a decade. They retired from farming in 1977, and while on a road trip vacation to Texas, LaVonne and Larry took a spontaneous turn west and fell in love with the desert Southwest. They moved to Sun Lakes, Arizona, and enjoyed the community, the sunshine, and the golf in Sun Lakes for the remainder of their days. LaVonne was preceded in death by her husbands, son Les Selberg, daughter Linda Selberg, stepdaughter Carolee Spivey, daughter-in-law Janine Selberg, son-in-law Joe Hollenkamp, her parents, her sister Ethel Selwold and her infant sister Dorothy.

Equally as competitive as she was kind, LaVonne’s drive was apparent throughout her life. She was a tireless partner in life on the farm, her operations management skills honed by her perfectionism. She could put out a spread for farm workers or dozens of guests at holiday and family meals that was legendary. In retirement, she was an avid golfer, leaving her mark as Sun Lakes Golf Club’s Ladies Golf Champion for stroke play and match play in two successive years. She also dropped eight holes-in-one during her years at Sun Lakes Golf Club. When she wasn’t golfing or hosting, she was always game for a “project” and whether a blessing or a curse, you could be sure if LaVonne was in charge, the result would be executed to perfection, with love, style, and grace. She kept up on the interests and activities of her kids, grandkids, and great grandkids – even emailing and video calling to keep in touch.

Many remain to carry on LaVonne’s legacy of independence, creativity, and resilience, and who will remember the sparkly gleam in her eye. They include daughter Bev of Sun Lakes, AZ; son Richard (Tricia), Atlanta, GA; daughter-in-law Jennifer, Phoenix, AZ; stepdaughter Lynelle (Skip) Berg, Buckeye, AZ; stepsons Scott (UnHui) Spivey, Colorado Springs; and John Spivey, Windsor, Colorado; Sharon Flores, dear neighbor and friend; grandchildren Lisa, Jeff, Austin, Jessica, Ryan, Leslie, Bryan, Kristy, Monica; and great grandchildren Tatum, Reese, LaVonne, Oliver, Nicholas, Benjamin, Andrew and James.