LaVina Rhoda Sullivan

LaVina Rhoda Sullivan, 85, of Woodburn, Ore. passed away suddenly on Dec. 10, 2006, at Silverton Hospital in Silverton, Ore.

She is survived by her son Ronald Sullivan, daughter-in-law Jillian Sullivan, three wonderful grandchildren; Colton, 8, Casey, 5, and Elissa, 3, of Seattle, a niece, Beverly Parkhurst and sister and lifelong best friend, Lillian Kison of Woodburn.

Her husband, Lloyd Sullivan preceded her in death on Dec. 6, 1968. Three brothers and two sisters also preceded her in death. They were Adam Gering of Moses Lake, John Gering of Yakima, Aaron Gering of Kooski, Idaho, Alberta Nickel of Monroe and Lorena King of Moscow, Idaho.

LaVina was born Aug. 10, 1921, in Amsterdam, Idaho to Paul and Matilda Gering. She attended grade school and high school in Ritzville and spent her young adult years working in and around Spokane, where she met her husband Lloyd. She and Lloyd owned and operated dairy farms in Chewelah, Royal City, and Moses Lake. Shortly after Lloyd's passing, she moved to Moscow, Idaho where she worked at David's Department Store and K-Mart, and focused her life on raising her son, "Ronny."

LaVina moved to The Senior Estates Golf and Country Club at Woodburn, Ore. in 1997, where she enjoyed spending time with her family, the Oregon coast, traveling (especially cruises), listening to music (especially Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra), gardening in her yard, crossword puzzles, e-mailing family and friends, and surfing the Internet.

LaVina was a wonderful mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and neighbor. She demonstrated perseverance, selflessness, and self-reliance throughout her life and in times of great challenge, yet always maintained a softness and sweet spirit that touched all those who knew her well. She was deeply loved and will dearly be missed.

A graveside service is held at Simon-Woodburn Funeral Chapel, 1050 N. Boones Ferry Rd., Woodburn, Ore. 97071.