Laverne (Christmas) LaVey

Laverne (Christmas) LaVey, 99, of Evansville, IN passed away at West River Health Campus on August 21, 2026 with her daughters, Linda and Beth, by her side. She was able to stay in her home up until her last few days.

Laverne was born on August 9, 1927 in Evansville, Indiana to Roy and Ethel (Greer) Christmas. She attended Baker and Carpenter grade schools and graduated from Central High School in 1945. At age 18, Laverne married her husband, Fred LaVey, after he returned from WWII. In November of 1946, her daughter, Linda, was born. Six and a half years later, her son, Keith, was born. After another six and half years, her daughter, Beth, was born.

As was the custom in the '50's and '60's, she was a homemaker and focused on raising her children. When Laverne was close to age 55 and Beth was in high school, she rejoined the workforce in retail at Kuester's Hardware Store. She worked there until age 74, retiring in 2001.

Laverne enjoyed traveling from coast to coast in America. Her only trips outside the US were to Tijuana, Mexico and Windsor, Canada. All but one of her trips were by car, with the exemption being a plane trip to Cape Cod. She loved driving and enjoying our country's beautiful scenery. Laverne drove until the age of 94. It was a source of independence for her. Letting go of this was challenging and it took four years for her to decide to give her car to her grandson, Matt and his family.

She was preceded in death by her parents; friend, Raymond Knoll; son, Keith LaVey; brothers, Leroy and Robert Christmas; sister, Jeanene (Christmas) Wilkinson; son-in-law, Ron Ising.

Laverne is survived by her daughters, Linda LaVey Ising of Evansville and Beth LaVey Buchanan (Melvin) of Mt. Vernon, IN; daughter-in-law, Becky LaVey of Nicholasville, KY; grandchildren, Adam and Kacey LaVey of Lexington, KY, Jeff Young of Evansville, and Matt Young (Junenna) of Mt. Vernon, IN; great-grandchildren, Eli and Blake Young of Mt. Vernon, IN; 11 nieces and nephews; friend and "Girl Friday," Carla Martin.

Laverne's family wishes to thank the caregivers that allowed her to stay in her home- her daughter, Linda, friend, Carla Martin, LaShea Taylor and Christlie Fremond from Comfort Keepers. A special thank you is extended to the staff at West River in the Legacy Lane Unit for their care and kindness during her brief stay. A special thank you also goes to Heritage Hospice, especially nurse Nancy Brown for the compassion and thoughtfulness shown to Laverne and her daughter, Linda.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at Alexander Funeral Home North, 4200 Stringtown Road in Evansville. Friends may visit on Monday, August 24, 2026 from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm and from 10:00 am until service time on Tuesday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Kindergarten Class Fund, c/o Beth Buchanan.

Condolences may be offered at www.AlexanderNorthChapel.com