LaVera E. Mumford, age 104, life long Wellington resident, passed away March 1, 2009 at Slate Creek Deseret Nursing Home in Wellington, KS. She was a retired auctioneer clerk for Louise and Kenneth Sargent, worked as a clerk for the Westside Grocery Store and she also enjoyed working on election boards and served there for many years.

LaVera E. Mumford was born on February 21, 1905 in Wellington, KS to William J. and Rosita (Melchi) Mumford. She left high school when she was 16 to care for her ailing mother and then spent the next 48 years taking care of her father. She never had the opportunity to return to Wellington High School and earn her diploma. In celebration of her 103rd birthday she was presented with an honorary diploma naming her as a member of the 2008 WHS graduating class.

LaVera was the oldest member in age at the First Christian Church. She joined the church in 1928 and ranked second in terms of longest membership. She sang in the church choir for 60 years and served as Sunday school secretary for 33 years. She was also a member of Rebecca Lodge and enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents; one brother and one sister.

Survivors include one niece Betty Thompson; great nephew, Rodger Dwyer and his wife Brenda of Wellington, KS and great niece, Pamela Brosius of Hanford, CA.

Graveside Services will be held at Prairie Lawn Cemetery on Wednesday, March 4, 2009 at 2:00 P.M. Pastor Don Bryant will officiate.

Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, March 3, 2009 from 1:00 – 9:00 P.M.

A memorial has been established with the Hospice Care of Kansas and the First Christian Church. Contributions can be left at the funeral home.

Frank Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.