Lavona Jean Nieman

LaVona Nieman, 88, passed away on October 21, 2022, in Blanchard, OK.

LaVona was born on January 21, 1934 in Dacoma, OK, to Rena and Harvey Murrow becoming the baby sister to four older siblings Melvin, Zola, Robert and Harriette. She was raised a preachers daughter and attended Dacian High School where she was a cheerleader graduating with the class of 1952.

During her senior year of high school, LaVona met Dennis Nieman and the two were instantly in love. They married September 26, 1952 at her parents home with her father officiating. They were blessed with two daughters LaDonna Jo and Rena Faye. LaVona was a wonderful mother and was adamant that her daughters would earn college degrees and become teachers. Both LaDonna and Rena did just that. LaVona and Dennis were blessed with six grandchildren Steve, Don, Jill, Bryan, Casey and Amanda. They loved being grandparents and enjoyed attending their grandchildren's activities. LaVona loved hosting family dinners and holidays and was known for her delicious banana nut cake.

LaVona was best known for baking and decorating both wedding and grooms cakes for people in the community and most of her grandchildren. She loved to crochet, read books, travel to Branson and was a devoted fan of OU Women's Basketball.

LaVona is survived by her daughter LaDonna Strasbaugh and husband Charles; daughter Rena McDermott and husband Leslie; grandson Steve Strasbaugh and wife Patrice; grandson Don Strasbaugh and wife Tina; granddaughter Jill McGill and husband Mitch; grandson Bryan McDermott and wife Sheresa; grandson Casey McDermott; granddaughter Amanda McDermott; 10 great grandchildren Ben, Nick, Curtis, Noah, Mallie, Marissa, Quinn, Alex, Lili and Mia along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that will miss her dearly.

LaVona is preceded in death by her parents Rena and Harvey Murrow; husband of 62 years Dennis Nieman; grandson Matthew Strasbaugh; brother Melvin Murrow; sister Zola Armstrong; brother Robert Murrow and sister Harriette Wilson.