LaVonne graduated from Hayti, SD High School in 1954. After graduation she married Donald J. Wurtz.  To this union 3 children were born: Steven Alan and twins, Gloria Jean & Glenda Joan. Don and LaVonne traveled 5 states and 17 cities where he put in the telephone dial systems.  In 1961 they moved to Belle Fourche, SD where she lived for 30 years.  While a resident of Belle Fourche she was active in the Jayceettes, Girl Scouts, Women of the Moose, and bowling leagues.  She was awarded Woman of Achievement while leading the Belle Fourche WOTM Chapter.  In 1962 she married Ron Walker and gained a step-son, Michael.  She also worked as a waitress at Bob's Cafe and then at Belle Fourche Optical (now known as Black Hills Optical).

In 1991 LaVonne moved to Louisiana to be near her daughter, Gloria & family.  While living in Louisiana, she worked at H&R Block and St. Francis Cabrini Hospital.  She moved to Casper, WY in August 1998 along with her daughter  Gloria  & family to be near daughter Glenda & family.  Gloria was diagnosed with cancer and passed away February 27, 1999 in Casper,  WY.  LaVonne's mother, Eleanor contracted pneumonia 3 days after Gloria's funeral and was hospitalized.   LaVonne then made the decision to move to Valley City in June of 1999 to care for her mom.  After a year of recovery her mom could care for herself thus LaVonne found employment with Green Thumb/ Experience Works.  LaVonne also became involved with the Valley City Chamber Ambassadors and was awarded the Community Spirit Award in 2005 and again in 2014.  She volunteered for the APOC Society as  treasurer.  In June 2007 LaVonne and Ken Merkes were married.

Being such a people person LaVonne enjoyed the many acquaintances and friends she made along the way, many of whom she maintained contact with throughout her life.  She felt very blessed by the people God placed in her life.

LaVonne was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Don Wurtz and Ron Walker; her only nephew, Rodney Young; daughter, Gloria Jean Tyler; son-in-law,  Gerald Albertson; and brother, Duane Lee Lawrence.

LaVonne is survived by: her husband, Ken Merkes; children: Glenda Albertson (Glenrock,  WY); Steve (Liz) Wurtz (Edmond, OK); stepchildren, Mike (Cindy) Walker (Tulsa, OK); Vanessa (Eric) Skolness (Glyndon, MN); and Chris Merkes (Valley City, ND); sister, Marie Albertson (Canton, SD); sister-in-law,  Carol Lawrence (Grand Junction,  CO); 10 grandchildren: Rebecca Albertson (Kennie Schneider), Rachel (Mark) Yocum, Amanda (Matt) Miller, Matthew (Desiree) Albertson,  Aimee Albertson,  Leslie Tyler (Jason Hornsby), Shelia Tyler (Chris Richey), Marcus (Van) Tyler, Megan Tyler (Chase Morace) and Morgan Tyler, 2 step grandchildren: Jacob Skolness and Shelby Skolness as well as 22 great grandchildren as well as her first great, great grandchild which is due in July (which she was so looking forward to meeting).

LaVonne loved children,  dogs, doing crossword puzzles, photography, baking, playing pinochle, and she was an avid reader.

A celebration of her life will take place later this Summer at the time of her inurnment.