LaVona Sue Osborn

LaVona Sue Osborn, 54, of Greentop, MO, passed away Thursday, May 31, 2018.

LaVona was born to Rev. Donald and Donna Gail Martin on May 18, 1964, in Gravette, AR. She was the youngest of six children, and in her mother’s words, “was the easiest and most well behaved of the children. She was just like a precious baby doll.” In 1980 the Martin family moved to Kirksville and there she met her sweetheart and husband-to-be, Jeffrey Osborn.

Jeffrey and Lavona were married on May 24, 1986, and to this union were born three children – Lindsay, Michael and Jacoby. She was the most loving and loyal wife and mother and her family was her world. Her greatest desire was to see them following Christ and she made sure they were in church even when they didn’t feel like it.

In more recent years, she was blessed with four grandchildren – Travie Jack, MellaRose, Thaddeus and Micah. She loved swinging, building forts, going on walks and cuddling with all of her grandchildren. In her words, “I live for my children and grandchildren.”

She was an amazing cook and loved cooking for her family and friends. Her pies, cookies and sheet cake will never be forgotten.

LaVona was a hard worker and took on various jobs such as cleaning houses, driving a school bus and cleaning Kelly’s furniture. She always wanted jobs that would allow her to be a homemaker, because she wanted her family to come first.

LaVona had many hobbies. She loved to read, enjoyed canning her abundant garden produce and loved animals, playing the piano and going on walks. She loved the country life. She also had a love for Christmas. She would listen to Christmas music nearly all year round. It was always Christmas time in her home and in her heart.

In February of 2015, LaVona was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Although this was by far the biggest test of her life, her faith in and relationship with Christ rose to new heights. In the last months she would increasingly be seen reading her Bible. Her confidence was palpable. Mom fought hard and left no stone unturned. She made it clear she was ready, no matter the outcome.

Preceding LaVona in death was her father, Reverend Donald Martin. She is survived by her loving husband, Jeffrey, of the home; three children – Lindsay Bland and husband, Travis, of Stockton; Michael Osborn and wife, Amanda, of Belton and Jacoby Osborn and wife, Melody, of Eudora; four grandchildren – Travie Jack, MellaRose, Thaddeus and Micah; five siblings – Ronnie Martin and wife, Grace, of Fort Wayne, IN;  Doneta Lawrence and husband, Glen, of Nashville, TN;  Celesta Cunningham of Fulton; Rachel Billington and husband, Doug, of Kirksville and Doyle and wife, Heidi, of Denver, CO; her mother, Donna Gail Martin;  three sisters-in-law and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Services were held on Sunday, June 3, in the Kirksville Church of God (Holiness) under the direction of Travis-Noe Funeral Home.

Burial was at Love Cemetery in Cedar County, El Dorado Springs, on Monday, June 4, under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be left at www.blandhackleman.com.