LaVerne Alberta Baltz

LaVerne Alberta Baltz (nee Taake), 83, of Amarillo, Texas, formerly of Greeley, Colo., died June 20, 2016, in Amarillo, Texas.

She was born Feb. 23, 1933, in Columbia, daughter of the late Charles and Mathilda Taake (nee Huck).

Laverne and her late husband, Bill, were members of Zoar United Church of Christ in New Hanover. After moving to Greeley, Colo., they were active members of St. John’s United Church of Christ.

LaVerne and Bill were members of the Greeley Country Club since 1989, where Laverne was an avid golfer, and she remained a member until 2015. She was a past member of the Tascosa Country Club in Amarillo, Texas, and the Sioux City Boat Club in Sioux City, Iowa.

LaVerne is survived by her daughter Susan Baltz of Amarillo, Texas; her son, William “Nik” (Donna) Baltz of Magnolia, Texas; her grandchildren, Jennifer (Dustin) Bishop of Marshall, and Claudia Baltz of Amarillo, Texas; her great-grandchildren, Briar William Bishop and Breck Ann Bishop, both of Marshall; her sister-in-law, Virginia Hoehn of Malden, Mo.; and her brother-in-law, Russell (Shirley) Baltz of Millstadt. She is also survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

LaVerne was preceded in death by her husband, William Norman “Bill” Baltz, who died June 18, 2015; her daughter Christine Baltz; her parents; her sister, Dorothy Riebeling; and her brother, Harvey Taake.

Visitation was June 25, at Leesman Funeral Home, Millstadt.

Graveside services followed at Mount Evergreen Cemetery, Millstadt, Pastor Matt Friz officiating.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or Defenders of Wildlife.