CLAFLIN — Marie “Lavern” Sovereign, 101, died January 7, 2022, at her home in Claflin, Kansas. She was born November 23, 1920, on the family farm north of Claflin, the daughter of Max F. and Mary (Kafka) Schlessinger. 

On July 31, 1937, she married Fred M. Sovereign in Claflin, Kansas. He preceded her in death on March 25, 1997.

Fred and LaVern moved from Claflin to Wakeeney in 1955 and later returned to Claflin in 1965. She worked for Fuller Brush, JC Penney’s and Gunns in Great Bend. 

Lavern was a longtime member of Zion Lutheran Church.

She is survived by three daughters; Beverly Johnson of Claflin, Maxine Everett of Wathena and Debra Krier of Claflin; seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, daughter, Kimberly Lynn Sovereign; son-in-law, Robert Johnson; brothers, Fred, Albert, and Robert Schlessiger; and sisters, Hannah Hieken, Elfreida Mantz, Emma Drews, Helen Lathrap, Rose Stehwien, and Marie Schlessiger.

Visitation will be Tuesday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., with family to greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m., at the funeral home.

Funeral service will be 10 a.m., Wednesday, January 12, 2022, at Zion Lutheran Church, Claflin, with Pastor Daniel Harders presiding.  Burial will follow in Claflin Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran Church, Claflin Ambulance Fund or Golden Belt Home Healthcare and Hospice in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544. 

Notices may be viewed and condolences sent at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home

P.O. Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Jan. 9, 2022