After a brief stay at MCMC in Raton, NM, the Lord wrapped His arms around LaVerna Lee (Happy) Towndrow and took her home on Friday, November 17, 2017 after 99 years, 10 months and 23 days on this earth.
LaVerna was born December 26, 1917 to Montgomery Conrad and Beulah Mae (Rankin) Happy in Kansas City, Kansas. She graduated from Wyandotte High School in 1936. LaVerna met the love of her life, Robert Towndrow, on the Johnson Mesa while visiting family. They were married on November 20, 1938 and celebrated 73 years together before Robert passed away on June 3, 2012. After several years of living on Johnson Mesa, LaVerna and Robert moved to Kansas City where LaVerna worked for Woolf Brothers Department Store until 1974. Robert and LaVerna then moved to Raton to be closer to Robert’s family. In Raton, she worked for 1st National Bank and Sunwest Bank until 1988.
LaVerna was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Naomi Ruth Happy and Beatrice Weiser; husband, Robert Towndrow; son, Robert Arthur Towndrow and grandson, Lee Montgomery Towndrow. She is survived by her son, Ron (Mikalene) Towndrow, Raton, NM; grandchildren, Kevin (Lisa) Towndrow, Raton, NM; Kim (Brad) Atwater, Folsom, NM; Chad Towndrow, Kansas City, KS; Doug Towndrow, Kansas City, KS; great-grandchildren, Robert “Bobby” (fiancé Frances) Towndrow, Honolulu, HI; Kelsey (Colton) Milson, Ft. Bragg, NC; Amber (Warren) Smith, Roswell, NM; Brandy (Chris) Schear, Rio Rancho, NM; Jamie (Chris) Moehring, Folsom, NM; James “Tremor” (Jessica) Atwater, Canyon, TX; Jace Towndrow, Kansas City, KS; great-great-grandchildren, Jadyn, Kianna, Jadeveon and Kai Smith; Braeden, Adley and Lainey Schear; Tucker and Hunter Moehring. LaVerna is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and the amazing staff at Hope’s Senior Care where LaVerna spent the last year of her life.
Per her request, Viewing will be Tuesday, November 21st from 4 – 6 at the Yaksich-Long Funeral Home in Raton. Graveside services will be Wednesday, November 22nd at 2:00 pm at Fairmont Cemetery in Raton.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association at www.mda.org in memory of LaVerna and Lee Montgomery Towndrow.
