Laverne Virgina Ainley

1923-2018

Laverne passed away peacefully on April 14, 2018 in Colorado Springs, CO. She was born in Peshastin, WA to Lewis and Doris Conner Hawks on January 31, 1923. Laverne grew up in Sacramento and Oroville, CA. She graduated from Oroville Union High School in 1941. Shortly after graduation she married Melvin E. Graham in Reno, NV. She spent many years living in different locations throughout the western United States during Mel’s career with the Western Pacific Railroad and as a military spouse when he was an officer in the US Army. Laverne and Mel were married 44 years until his death in 1986. In 1991 she married Dr. Richard G. Ainley in Santa Maria, CA.

Laverne cherished raising her three children, was a voracious reader, life member of the Eastern Star, participated in the League of Women Voters, Parent Teachers Association, Portola Booster Club, “Pink Lady” volunteer, served as past president of Eastern Plumas Health Care Auxiliary, Portola Bridge Club, Santa Maria Lawn Bowling Club. She also enjoyed Round Dancing and had traveled throughout the world.

In her final year Laverne loved looking out her window at the Rocky Mountains. She would say it reminded her of the very happy times and treasured friends she had in Portola, CA. She would reminisce about Catherine Olsen, Margaret Lambert, Dorothy Donnenwirth, Virginia Ayoob, Edwina Cullen, Evelyn Beer and Dorothy Bartlett to name a few. She now joins them in heaven.

Laverne was preceded in death by her first husband Mel; parents, Lew and Doris Hawks; brothers Guy and Earl Hawks; sister Beverly Hawks; sister-in-laws Wanda Graham Key, Minnie Alice Hawks; and Coronado, CA traveling companion Mamie Rutledge.

Laverne will be sadly missed, but her love and devotion to her family will never be forgotten. She is survived by husband, Richard; three children, Dr. Edward E. Graham (Neri), Dr. Melvern E. Graham, and Col. Dawn Graham Jackson, USAF (ret) (Ron); sister, Jeanne Hollingsworth; four grandchildren, Kellie Jean Graham (David Sorensen), CPO Zachary E. Graham, USCG, Margot G. Graham, Conner Graham Jackson; and one great-grandchild, Colton Graham Sorensen; numerous nieces and nephews, three step-children, four step-grand children; and very dear friends of nearly 70 years Virginia Kopchak, Ray and Ruth Hansen.

No services are scheduled at this time. Memorials may be donated to Eastern Plumas Health Care Auxiliary, Doctor’s Without Borders, Gary Sinise Foundation for Disabled Veterans and First Responders, and Pikes Peak Hospice.