Laverna Warden

LaVerna (Mrs. Richard) Warden, 90, of Marshalltown, now sits at heaven's keyboard after leaving this earthly life on Tuesday, July 19, 2016. Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.,Sunday, July 24, at Hope United Methodist Church, 2203 S 3rd Ave, Marshalltown. A celebration of her life will begin at 11:00 a.m., Monday, July 25, at Hope Church, followed by burial at Rosehill Cemetery. LaVerna was born in Marshalltown March 7, 1926 to Alva and Vada (Schreiber) McClellan, a family that eventually embraced her with 42 cousins and their families. Having lived her entire life in Marshalltown, her joy was her church, family and friends. She attended Anson Elementary School where she met this handsome young man by the name of Richard Warden who was, exactly to the day, six months older than she. After graduation with MHS class of '44, she enrolled in a correspondence course at Sherwood Music School in Chicago. When the time came to attend final exams, her father was afraid for her safety in the big city, and she did not go. After Dick's return from WWII, the two were united in marriage on August 20th, 1948. They made their home in Marshalltown and built their home together on Jackson Street, living just one block from where he was raised and five blocks from where she was. In this house they were blessed with three daughters: Janet, Karen and Kristy. When her children attended Anson school, her active PTA participation lead her to be city PTA Council President. Music was a huge part of LaVernas life, and she began a lifelong ministry using the talent God blessed her with. At the age of 14, she played for her first wedding. At age 15, she was appointed the church organist. For the next 75 years, she faithfully played for Hope United Methodist, the Iowa Veterans Home and other local church services,funerals and weddings. Later in her career, her husband wanted her to cut back, so he said she only marries and buries them now! Every Saturday night was a ritual at the Warden house after she would go to the church to practice for the Sunday service, get groceries and return home to watch Lawrence Welk with the family. LaVerna and Dick are charter members of the Hope United Methodist Church, formed from the old EUB Church on Anson Street where they were married. She was a founder of the Missionaires Quartet, bowled for 30 years on the Maid-Rite team, quilted with the church Piece Makers, modeled for Christopher & Banks, and appointed herself a professional shopper. In addition to being a loving wife and mom, LaVerna worked at Lennox and Marshalltown Schools Buildings and Grounds. Her typing skills (90WPM) led her to keyboarding when type writers were replaced with computers. She was employed by Manpower at Fishers, where she helped author training manuals at age 70. In recent years her evening entertainment was email, and her numerous daily jokes will be missed. Besides a Panama Canal cruise that included 5 countries, she helped organize and traveled to Dick's WWII ship reunions (USS Yavapai), which were hosted by the crew in their hometowns across the country. Left to treasure her memory are Richard, her loving husband of 67 years; daughters: Janet (Merv) Minde of Marshalltown and Karen Milan (James McCann) of Des Moines; grandchildren: Annette Bogard- Mayfield, Jeff (Becky) Bogard, Matthew (Danielle) Minde, Cori Milan, Chelsea Milan; great grandchildren: Mickey McDonald, Kristian McDonald; brothers: Merle McClellan of Mission Viejo, CA and Ronald (Nancy) McClellan of Livermore, CA.(to mourn her loss will be Younkers, as she was their finest customer.) In death, LaVerna rejoined her daughter Kristy, parents, and a brother in infancy. The family expresses sincere gratitude to those who cared and watched over LaVerna at Mary Greeley Hospital in Ames and Iowa River Hospice. Memorial contributions may be directed to the family.