LaVerne I. Hanson

LaVerne Irene Hanson, 91, passed away on November 7th, 2011 in Colorado Springs. She was born in Fort Worth, Texas on September 23rd, 1920 to Frederick and Clara (Champlin) Gardner. LaVerne is preceded in death by her parents and three brothers: Robert, Happy, and twin Vernon.

LaVerne participated in track & field, basketball, and drama in high school, graduating at the top of her class in 1938. Upon graduation, she helped build aircrafts to aid in the war effort where she met her husband-to-be Sgt. Woodrow D. Hanson. They were married in 1943 in Fort Worth. LaVerne traveled with her husband in the Air Force to Japan, Spain, the Philippines, and in the US including California, Wyoming, and Colorado. She enjoyed reading, afternoon tea, and had an appreciation for fine art and travel.

They had three children: Carol Hanson of Pocatello ID; Brenda Yestness (husband Steven) of Colorado Springs, CO; and Brian Hanson (wife Kathryn) of Albuquerque, NM. LaVerne was also blessed with six grandchildren: Brent (wife Kim) Smith, Tina Smith, Nissa (husband Shaun) Yestness, Astrid (husband Dylan) Yestness McGill, Kimberly Hanson, and Matthew Hanson and two great-grandchildren: Jocelynn and Marissa Smith.

Services will be held Monday, November 14th, 10:00 am at Swan Law Chapel followed by interment at 2:15 pm at Fort Logan National Cemetery, Denver. Visitation will be at Swan Law Funeral Home 12:00 - 4:00 pm Sunday, November 13th. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in LaVerne’s name to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.

Arrangements under the direction of Swan-Law Funeral Directors, Colorado Springs, CO.