Lavona Suppes, a dedicated educator, tireless advocate for learning, and avid reader, passed away in her home surrounded by family on Sept. 27, 2023. Born on Sept. 16, 1943, in Hays, Kan., Lavona’s journey through life was marked by a deep commitment to education, a passion for literature and history, and an unwavering dedication to her students. She was also a consummate fan of collegiate basketball and would cheer on the Jayhawks with zeal. Rock Chalk.
Lavona’s educational journey began at McCracken High School, where she graduated as a proud member of the Class of 1961. Her thirst for knowledge and her passion for teaching led her to further her education at Fort Hays State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in History in January 1966. She continued her academic pursuits at Fort Hays State University, culminating in a Master of Arts degree in English Language and Literature. Lavona’s commitment to lifelong learning was further demonstrated when she pursued her doctoral studies in Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching at Kansas State University.
Lavona began her professional journey in education in Kansas teaching at Emporia High School and later at La Crosse High School, instilling a love for literature and journalism in her students. She continued her educational leadership at Barton County Community College, where she served as a Humanities Professor, Division Chair, and the professor lead for the student-led newspaper. Lavona’s passion for education also led her to North Carolina’s Piedmont Community College and Stratford University near Washington D.C., where she served as the Dean of Undergraduate Studies. During her retirement, she continued teaching as a part-time professor at the University of Mary Washington in Virginia.
Beyond her professional achievements, Lavona was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Lavona is survived by her daughter, Leigh Candice Anderson, and partner, Bruce Kean Anderson, as well as her granddaughters, Dayna Anderson and Kristina McLaughlin (husband Drew McLaughlin), her sister, Jametta Basgall, sister-in-law, Charlotte Peters, and multiple nieces and nephews. Lavona was preceded in death by her husband, Arnold Joseph “A.J.” Suppes, her brother, Terry Peters, brother-in-law, Melvin Basgall, and her parents, James Oliver Peters and Norma Jean Peters. Her family remembers them all with love.
Lavona’s journey may have come to an end, but her legacy of learning, love for literature, and dedication to education will continue to inspire generations to come. May she rest in eternal peace. Her body will be cremated in Virginia and returned to rest beside her husband, AJ Suppes at the La Crosse Cemetery in Rush County, Kan. A graveside service will be held on Nov. 11th at 11:30 a.m. with lunch to follow. The family suggests memorials to the Lung Cancer Research Foundation.
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Oct. 14, 2023
