LaVonne passed away on April 3rd, 2024 at Copper Creek Memory facility in Chandler, Arizona. LaVonne passed peacefully in her sleep, at 86 years old, from natural causes. She was born May 30, 1937. The doctor (Dr. D.) who delivered her into the world was the same doctor who would help her in delivery of four of her own children at the same hospital in McNary, Arizona. LaVonne was proceeded by her husband Dale Collier, parents Hearl and Ruby Lott, her sister Reva Nikolaus, brother AJ Lott, son Kenny Griffin, and bonus son Don Collier. LaVonne was survived by her children: Ted Griffin and wife Debbie, Tammy Fluhary (Griffin), Leisa Whitehead (Griffin) and her husband Rance, Debby Nidiffer (Collier) and her husband Bob, Kathy Langston (Collier) and her husband Bob, and her daughter-in-law Jeannie Griffin Bliven. LaVonne had many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, too many to count. Also survived by her brother Ken Lott and his wife Wilma, and her sister-in-law Sylvia Lott.
LaVonne worked in many different fields in her life. Starting with working in the bunkhouse in Maverick, AZ. She worked in grocery stores on and off for many years. Was a park ranger, at Boyce Thompson Arboretum. Worked in a bank and she owned restaurants including an ice cream shop. LaVonne was the court clerk in Kearny AZ. She sold Avon, make-up, Tupperware, jewelry, and had an online business of used clothes. Just for fun she wrote articles for a newspaper called Von’s views. LaVonne wrote a song that was made into a single called Plastic People, it did not take off, but she was never afraid to try something new. Many of her adventures were partnered with her sister Reva, what one could not think of the other did.
LaVonne married TJ Griffin when she was 15 years old. The two of them raised four children together, always with lots of love and fun. Living in Arizona, Oregon, and a small stay in Nevada. After 25 years the two divorced and LaVonne later married Dale Collier and with a loving blended family the two lived happily in Kearny and Apache Junction, Arizona for over 25 years. LaVonne and Dale traveled, went to auctions, and enjoyed family gatherings. LaVonne enjoyed dancing, with not only spouses but with anyone who wanted to move to the music. From her sister, brothers, children, and grandchildren. Leaving us all with great memories. Everyone knows she loved a trip to the casino, enjoyed a great bargain, liked secondhand stores, clearance items, and yard sales. It was always a great joy to LaVonne when her grown children and grandchildren came to visit. When asked what she would like as a gift she would answer just come visit me. The greatest gift to her was time. Now the time we shared with her becomes
the greatest gift to us….Thanks LaVonne for the memories.
Mom loved us all. We have wonderful memories and I will miss her everyday.