Ruth Mildred Willett LaVere

Mrs. Ruth Mildred Willett LaVere, 94, of Cherokee Road, Elberton, wife of 74 years to Kenneth Marshall LaVere, Sr., passed away on Monday, May 4, 2026, at her residence surrounded by her family.

One of thirteen, Ruth was born in Forester, MI on August 22, 1931, daughter of the late William Fredrick Willett and Maude Belle Baird Willett. She was a retired hairdresser and a member of Elberton Church of God. Ruth was an excellent seamstress and loved playing, and especially winning, games of all kinds. She was also an accomplished musician who enjoyed playing the organ, piano, and violin. Above all, she was the glue that held the family together - an exceptional “Mama Bear” and “Gramma Bear.”

Surviving, in addition to her husband Kenneth, are her children and their spouses: Sandra and Hubert Blough of Hastings, MI, Kenneth, Jr. and Antoinette LaVere of Munfordville, KY, Randall LaVere, Sr. of Jupiter, FL, and John, Sr. and Aggie LaVere of Elberton; nine grandchildren; twenty six great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Along with her parents and all of her siblings, she is preceded in death by one grandchild.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, May 6, from 6:00p.m. until 8:00p.m. and again on Thursday, May 7, from 11:00a.m. until 12:45p.m. at Berry Funeral Home.

Funeral services celebrating Ruth’s life will be conducted on Thursday, May 7, at 1:00p.m. in the Memorial Chapel of Berry Funeral Home, officiated by the Revs. James Gunn, Wesley Allen, and Randy LaVere, II.

Interment will follow in Elmhurst Cemetery with James LaVere, John LaVere, II, Greg Jackson, Randy LaVere, II, Gabriel Cox, and John LaVere, III honored as pallbearers.

Flowers are accepted, and contributions may be made in her memory to This Is That Church, 6881 N. State Road 135, Morgantown, IN 46160.

Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at berryfh.com.

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Ruth Mildred Willett LaVere.