Obituary: Zimmerman, Laverne
Age 89
ZIMMERMAN,
LaVerne
(Grady)
(Age 89)
Laverne Zimmerman passed peacefully in Spokane, WA on March 20th, 2012.
She was born in Oklahoma on August 27th, 1922.
Her family left the dust bowl for the Dalles, Oregon when LaVerne was five years old.
She later attended Lincoln High School and Behnke Walker Business College in Portland.
In 1943, she was hired as a rate clerk for the Union Pacific Railroad.
A few years later, LaVerne met the love of her life, Doug Zimmerman, and they were married in 1951.
Together they built a beautiful home in Portland, and in 1962 she retired from the railroad to raise her two sons.
Incredibly involved in her sons’ lives, LaVerne was a Cub Scout den mother, Little League scorekeeper, and never missed a football game or track meet, rain or shine.
Some of her fondest days were spent feeding a house full of teenage boys.
Every kid in her neighborhood knew they were welcome in Mrs. Zimmerman’s home.
LaVerne spent her retirement years in central Oregon (Redmond and Prineville, respectively).
She enjoyed square dancing, cooking, and reading, but above all, spending time with friends and family.
In the fall of 2009, LaVerne and Doug joined their youngest son in Spokane.
LaVerne is survived by her husband of 60 years Doug Zimmerman; her sons Bryan Zimmerman of Boise and Randy Zimmerman of Spokane; her brother LeRoy Grady of Redmond, OR; six grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Her selflessness and love will be greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Hospice of Spokane.
A memorial service celebrating LaVerne’s life will be held at a later date.