Our spunky, fun-loving, courageous, and generous mother and grandmother, Lavonda Harper Hanson, Mt. Pleasant, Utah, was reunited with her eternal companion on Monday, December 5, 2016. Lavonda was born November 20, 1932 to Richard Golden and Ruby Nelda Harper in Sublett, Idaho and was the fifth of ten children. The family later moved to nearby Oakley, Idaho where she spent her summers picking potatoes, thinning sugar beets, and where she fostered her lifelong work ethic.
Lavonda met Harry L. Hanson, the love of her life, in Burley Idaho when Mom was working for an accountant. They were married in her parent's home on June 9th, 1956. They began their married life in Burley, and later moved to Ely, Nevada and then to Mt. Pleasant when Harry was transferred. When JCPenney closed in 1972, Harry and Lavonda started their own department store, Big V. Mom spent many hours keeping the books and helping in the store. She also worked as the secretary of the North Sanpete High School. They also owned a variety store in Mt. Pleasant, and a convenience store, campground, and car wash in Green River, Utah. Mom was an excellent cook and her passion was spoiling her family. Holidays were a very big deal! Mom loved hosting annual family trips to Lake Powell, Lagoon, and BYU bowl games. Mom never missed a family event, no matter how far away it was.
Mom was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and possessed a firm testimony of her Savior. She served faithfully in many positions. Her favorites were working with the young women in sports and going to girl's camp. In their retirement years, Lavonda and Harry enjoyed serving in the Manti Temple.
Lavonda is survived by her children; Kathy (Clark) Knudsen, Lehi, UT, Larry (Camille) Hanson, Stansbury Park, UT, and Nancy (Tony) Johnson, Salt Lake City, eight grandchildren: Landon Smith, Ryan Banasky, Torrie Smith Kidd, Brittany Johnson Snow, Jordan Smith, Calli Johnson Dressen, Brooklyn Banasky Jackman and Andrew Hanson and eight great-grandchildren, with one on the way. Lavonda was welcomed home by her parents, her husband, daughter Pamela Banasky, and grandchildren, Jessica and Justin Smith.
Funeral services will be held Friday, December 8, 2016 at 12:00 noon in the Larkin Sunset Gardens Mortuary, 1950 E Dimple Dell Road (10600 S) in Sandy, Utah. Viewing at the same mortuary beginning at 10:30-11:45. Interment to follow at Larkin Sunset Garden Cemetery right next to the mortuary.
Special thanks to Carrington Court Memory Care and Millcreek Hospice for their wonderful care and compassion. Thanks also to mom's many friends and relatives for their calls, visits, notes, and kind words of support.
To honor Lavonda's memory, feel free to donate to the Alzheimer's foundation or do something kind to help someone in need.
Grandma Vonda, you will be forever in our hearts!
