aVonne Joan Hemenway, age 87, of Early, passed from this life on Friday, March 31, 2023, while under the care of Solaris Hospice. Family will host a graveside service on Saturday, April 15th at 2 pm at Eastlawn Memorial Park with John Specht officiating.
LaVonne was born February 1, 1936 in Pagosa Springs, Colorado. She graduated from high school in China Lake, California and attended college for 1 year before entering the workforce. She was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church. LaVonne married Stan Hemenway in 1971, later getting divorced before his passing. She worked for General Atomics and Gulf Atomics, both in San Diego, then several companies in Grants Pass, Oregon. LaVonne loved life and enjoyed boating, hiking, reading, games and board games.
LaVonne is survived by her sister, Judith Lee Martinez Shaw (husband William is deceased); Cousins, Theresa “Terri” Lynch Fitzpatrick (husband Edward), Dean & Karen Cox of Colorado, Kristi Lytle of California, Elfrieda (Tedie) Roque of Colorado, Pat Hogan of California, Jim Howell of Colorado, Cynthia Morgan (children – Joe, Melissa) and many others; nephews, Bryan C. Shaw, Kevin Daley (wife Hannah), Robbie “Trey” Birdsong, Charlie Winters (daughter Meredith); nieces, Marlene Shaw Kirkland (husband Kyle), Robbyn Ellen Cox Shaw (husband Brett is deceased), Tammy Mcauley, Pamela Currier (husband Phillip), Kimberly Lutz (wife Celeste), Cathy Birdsong Dutchak (husband Michael), Joan Birdsong Windmuller (husband Steve), Stephanie Birdsong; grand-nephews, Benjamen B. Shaw (wife Yvonne), Bronson A. Shaw (wife Lindsey), Nicholas Lyle, Mark Lyle, Colton Stinson, Brin Stinson, Travis Nunez; grand-nieces, Erika D. Kirkland (Julie), Meredith Winters of San Diego, California, Laura Fitzpatrick Mauro (husband Cody) of California, Aela Stinson Sumner (husband Kirk), Rachel Shaw; friends, Mary Lou Heldring, Margaret Rhodes, Mary “Buffie” Johnson, Carol Ann Christianson, Shirley Pierce and Marlene Landis, as well as many more loved ones.
LaVonne was preceded in death by her parents, Jasper and Hazel Martinez; siblings, Gilbert Ray Martinez (wife Evelyn “Mickie”), Janice Marie Martinez Birdsong (husband Robert), Barbara Hope Martinez Wingard (husband Quinton surviving); nephews, Brian Birdsong and Brett Shaw; niece, Lynn Winters; a very special aunt, Jessie Rae Cato Lynch.
Memorial contributions may be made in LaVonne’s name to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and Eastlawn Memorial Park.
Online condolences, memories and tributes can be made to the family at www.heartlandfuneralhome.net
