As a student at Elgin High School, Edwina developed a lifelong interest in music and learned to play piano. Upon graduation, she took an interest in nursing and attended Seton School of Nursing, graduating in 1945.

She took a job at Seton Hospital and worked there until she married Edward Thomas Owens, also an Elginite who was born in 1924. They were married in 1950.

Edward earned a degree in engineering from U.T. and took jobs in the petroleum industry. His career took the family to live in Utah, Georgia, Ohio, New Jersey, and back again to Texas when they moved to Houston in 1966.

Ed’s work also took him to other countries. After her sons were no longer living at home, Laverne went back to work as a volunteer nurse at Memorial Hospital in Houston. Ed retired in 1994, and they returned to live in Elgin.

Laverne led an exemplary Christian life. She seldom talked the talk and constantly walked the walk — always placing others first, always wanting to serve, assist, or give. Doing unto others to such an extent that it was sometimes difficult to let others do unto her.

She was this way to the end. We always took snacks on visits to the nursing home.

If you handed her a cookie, she would break it in half and offer you some. This happened every time.

She had some kind and wonderful friends in Elgin, and she helped a lot of people out when she saw they needed help. She was loved by all she met and will be greatly missed.

Laverne is survived by her oldest son, Russell; his wife Diane and their sons Austin and David. Also surviving her is son Ross and his daughters Emily and Kirsti as well as Laverne’s son James. She was preceded in death by her son Tom. His daughters — Rebecca (husband Danny) and their children Nelson and Sullivan, Samantha, and Jennifer — also survive her.

Laverne is also survived by her sister, Joann, and nephews: Stan Lundgren, Brian Lundgren and family, and Randy Lundgren and family.