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LaVonne Margret Hartley Lavonne would want you to know that her work here is done. She has received a call from above and ventured to a long overdue reunion with the love of her life, and many of her family and friends. LaVonne was called home by our loving Father on May 27, 2022, after a brief illness. She was born on December 5, 1944 in Boise, Idaho. Before the family relocated to Carson City, Nevada. She is the daughter of the late Esther Matthews and Virgil Budden. Lavonne moved to Virgina City in 1972 to raise her children, where she owned Kittie’s Long Branch and the Silver Queen. She was often referred to as the Queen of the Comstock. Lavonne became an ordained Minister in the Church of the Children on February 11, 1988. She presided over thousands of weddings, which gave her great joy. Following her marriage in 1989 to the love of her life Roger Hartley. Lavonne moved to Carson City where she lived a beautiful life with Roger and her family. It was only fitting that Lavonne left her earthly body on the day of her 33rd wedding anniversary, as she wanted nothing more than to be with Roger, who had passed in early 2021. Lavonne once wrote about her Lord, “I once told someone you are like the wind. You cannot see the wind, only the results. We see the branches move, the leaves that magically float on the wind. We see things move without the touch of a hand; it is like the breath of God. Do not cry for me when I go, this is only a shell God gave me to visit this beautiful world. I am not sure I am even worthy of such a beautiful life, but God has guided me to be his vessel and deliver his word. God led me through the forest, sometimes so thick and very hard -- full of painful thorns. No matter how deep or dark, I was not without you. At times Lord it was hard to look up; but, though winded, I could see your brightness. Even if I felt anger you still stood beside me. How can I even thank you Lord? When it comes time to leave this tired and painful body, please Lord take my hand and lead me home. You are all that life is: love, happiness, and hopes and dreams. It was your strength that made my life worth living, thank you.” Lavonne is survived by many loved ones; her loving daughter, Sheila Palmer and future son-in- law Michael Wirth, her daughter Cindy Palmer, sister and brother-in-law Edith, and Gary Jorgensen; brothers and sisters-in-law, Ed and Jan Budden, Norman and Carolyn Budden. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Kevin, Stevi, Kody, Janel, Kristian, Brittnie, Alaura,; and great grandchildren: Harley, Bo, Charles, Ronnie, Shayla, Ryan, Grayson, Gabriel, Phillip, Alyra, and Peyton; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She is now reunited with her parents, her loving husband, and baby sister, Ereva Nadine.

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LaVonne Margret Hartley

December 5, 1944 - May 27, 2022