Memorial

LaVonne L. Sholes, 87 of Marion Iowa, passed away peacefully at Mercy Medical Center, Cedar Rapids, IA surrounded by her family on Wednesday October 8, 2025.  Visitation will be at Cedar Memorial Chapel Stateroom, on Thursday October 16, 2025, from 5-7 p.m., where a rosary will begin at 5:00 p.m.   A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, October 17, 2025, St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Marion, IA. Burial: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery. Following interment, a reception will be held in the church hall at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Marion, IA. A livestream of the funeral mass at St Joseph Catholic Church will be available at https://youtube.com/live/AQZMhnaDdSU?feature=share

LaVonne was born on September 29, 1938, in Maple River, IA. The daughter of Lawrence and Mary Leiting.  She was a graduate of Carroll High School in 1956.  Upon LaVonne’s graduation she moved to Lincoln, NE and worked for Mutual of Omaha, where she met the love of her life Leonard Sholes. They were married in Maple River, IA on September 6, 1958.  

LaVonne and Leonard moved to Hiawatha, IA in 1960, after Leonard accepted a Mechanical Engineering position at Collin Radio Co.  In 1962 LaVonne and Leonard moved to Marion, IA where they built their forever home.   LaVonne was a stay-at-home mom.  She enjoyed taking care of her family by cooking, baking, and sewing clothes for her girls.  She also prided herself on sewing square dance clothes for herself, her girls and Leonard.  She was an active participant in all her girls and families’ activities throughout their lives.

LaVonne enjoyed camping, square dancing, and spending time with Leonard, daughters, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  LaVonne and Leonard traveled extensively upon Leonard’s retirement in 1994.  

The family extends their appreciation to the care givers at Mercy Medical Center, ICU unit for their excellent care especially Erica, Jakob, and Jaelyn.

Survivors include her three sisters Ruth Drees (Dean), Mary Lou Leahy, and Betty Galetich; five daughters, Diana Kloppenborg (Nason) of Lawrence, KS, Janet Jones of Kansas City, MO, Phyllis Johnston (David) of Blue Grass, IA, Linda Hegland of Marion, IA, Lois Strief (Jeff) of Marion, IA; seven grandchildren, Erica Creed (David), Brittany Johnston (Justin Ward), Christopher Jones (Allysa), Gabriel Jones, Dakota Johnston, Jeffrey Strief, and Justin Hegland; three great grandchildren, Rilee Ward, Danielle Ward, and James Jones. With another great grandchild expected in December 2025.

LaVonne was preceded in death by her husband Leonard and her parents, Lawrence and Mary Leiting, her sister Mary, and a grandchild Brandon Johnston.