Ruth Laverne Starkebaum

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   Ruth, affectionately known as Laverne, was born on October 1, 1929, to Ruth and Carl Englehart at Cortez, Colorado. Laverne attended schools in the Lewis/Cortez area, followed by studying at the University of Northern Colorado until her marriage to Clark Starkebaum on August 14, 1949, after meeting on a blind date. She attended Colorado State University until Clark’s graduation, finishing a semester short of her degree. Clark and Laverne farmed for many years east of Haxtun with his father and later with their son, John. Clark and Laverne were also  business owners operating the Haxtun Locker Plant for a number of years.  Laverne also raised dogs. They moved into Haxtun in 1997. 

                Laverne was involved with numerous civic organizations in the community. She was a member of the Haxtun United Methodist Church where she served on committees, was active in the ladies auxiliary, and taught Sunday school. She was a member of PEO and served on the Haxtun Town Board. One of her proudest accomplishments was as a hospice volunteer bringing words of comfort and encouragement along with a hug to those in need.

                Laverne’s family was the joy of her life and she took great pride in supporting her children and grandchildren in their varied activities. Clark and Laverne attended hundreds of sporting events, along with school concerts and activities. She served many years as a room mother, and along with Clark, they were frequent class parent sponsors. During the summers they would watch their family’s livestock and horse shows at local and state fairs. Clark and Laverne were honored as Grand Marshals of the Haxtun Corn Festival parade and the Phillips County Fair parade. 

                Laverne was a strong woman.  She did it all, from farm hand, vet, chief cook to family peacekeeper.  Her respite was Sunday night when it was popcorn and pop, a tradition that continues. She was a loving wife, mother and friend. She was quick witted and a patient listener. She told wonderful stories. She was warm and welcoming to strangers and always willing to help a neighbor. She was the rock of the family. 

                Laverne is survived by four of her five children, Deborah and husband Rick, John and wife Julia, Steven and Kari, and one sister, Karla Wiescamp. She has sixteen grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren. Colleen Jedlicka and Roxanne Martinez were her caregivers.  Laverne was preceded in death by her husband Clark, son Larry, daughter-in-law Debbi, and her brothers, Stanton, James and Charles. Memorials can be directed to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, the Haxtun United Methodist Church Memorial Fund or Hospice of the Plains. 

                Our Heavenly Father called Laverne home on March 5, 2024 at the age of 94. She died at home surrounded by family and her caregiver. A celebration of life will be held on April 13, 2024 at 10:30 AM at the Haxtun United Methodist Church with inurnment following at the Haxtun Cemetery. The service will be officiated by Pastor Jeri Soens. Baucke Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 

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