Lavonne E. Sullivan

OBITUARY: Lavonne Elaine Sullivan
Lavonne Elaine (Walker) Sullivan, 61, Topeka, passed away Thurs., Nov. 3, 2011, at Midland Hospice House. She was born in Emporia, on May 29, 1950, to Clarence Andrew and Margaret Lorraine (Finney) Walker. She graduated from Kansas State Teachers College of Emporia. She was married to Walter J. Sullivan in Feb., 1973, in Emporia. Lavonne along with Walt cofounded Walt's Auto Body Carstar. After a long career in computer technology, at Mize Houser and Hill's Pet Nutrition, she took an early retirement and enjoyed many trips with Walt touring North America. She especially enjoyed winters in Florida and reunions with fellow campers. Camping was always a part of their family life as the children were growing up and Lavonne and Walt continued that tradition. Lavonne enjoyed creating quilts and crocheted and knitted items. She always had some current project that would be lovingly completed and given to a lucky recipient. Many people cherish the lovely things she created. A wonderful cook, she and Walt loved to entertain friends and family. Lavonne was an avid photographer and created an extensive blog of their travels, narrated and illustrated by her wonderful photography. She grew up on a farm and always appreciated nature as was evident in her beautiful gardens. She was fascinated with genealogy and compiled an abundance of data for both families, sharing information with other genealogists. She is survived by her husband, Walter J. Sullivan; a daughter, Rachel, and a son, Timothy (Breann); a grandson, Caden; a sister, Virginia Smyres, Warren, OR; a brother, Bill Walker, Lyndon; an aunt, Justine Olson, Salina; many cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family. Her grandson, Caden, gave her so much joy. Her smile would light up a room as he appeared or as she recounted something he had said or done. Funeral services will be at 10:00 AM, Mon., Nov. 7, 2011, at Penwell-Gabel Parker-Price Chapel, 245 NW Independence Ave., Topeka. Interment in Prairie Home Cemetery. Lavonne will lie in state after 2:00 PM, Sun., at the funeral chapel where the family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8:00 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to Midland Hospice, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, KS 66606-2800 or Bethel Baptist Church, 4011 North Kansas Ave., Topeka, KS 66617.