La Vonne Altendorf

La Vonne Altendorf passed peacefully away, with her daughter at her side, Thursday, August 20th at Joplin Gardens. Born to Roy and Gertrude Willard in Neodesha, Kansas fifteen minutes before her twin sister La Verne July 24th, 1931, hers was a life well-lived.

Shortly after graduating from Neodesha High School as a proud member of the class of 1949, she wed James J. Altendorf of Independence, Kansas. They shared over fifty-three years together. Born to this union were two sons and a daughter.

La Vonne was the proverbial devoted homemaker and mother. She was a cub scout leader, girl scout leader, and homeroom mother. She served as a gracious hostess to everyone who ever visited the Altendorf home. Additionally, she had many opportunities to travel the United States and Europe with her family.

Perhaps the role best suited to La Vonne was that of Grandma. She was a loving grandmother to nine grandchildren who adored her. She provided a comforting, fun home where each grandchild was made to feel special and loved.

La Vonne was preceded in death by her husband Dr. James J. Altendorf, son Joseph N. Altendorf, a grandson, her parents, and seven brothers and sisters.

She is survived by her daughter Janet K. Myers (Douglas) Joplin, son Stanley J. Altendorf (Michelle) Oswego, Kansas, eight grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, her twin sister La Verne Cooley (Robert) Independence, Kansas, and her sister Karen Bowen (Jim) Wichita, Kansas.

A Celebration of La Vonne’s life will be held at Potts Chapel in Independence, KS on Saturday, September 12th at 2:00 pm. To leave the family a special message of condolence, please visit, www.pottsfuneralhome.com.