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LaVonne Marie Gerrtizen, 75, passed away June 24, 2025, at Hays Medical Center, Hays, Kansas. She was born on May 30, 1950, in Great Bend, to Walter and Ressa (Barrett) Otte. In 1970, she married Leo R. Gerritzen in Great Bend; they later divorced.

A lifetime resident of Great Bend, LaVonne was an instructor and associate dean at Barton Community College. She was a member of First United Methodist Church, UMW, Thread Benders Quilt Guild, and Ajo, Arizona Quilt Guild. LaVonne was formerly a Campfire troop leader. She enjoyed sewing, was an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan, and loved spending time with her family.

Survivors include daughter, Larissa Graham and husband Rob of Great Bend; four grandchildren, Kaitlin Sill and husband Kyler of Great Bend, Madalynn Forrest of Longmont, Colorado, Lillian Gerritzen of Longmont, Colorado, and Jax Graham of Hoisington; one great grandchild on the way; two sisters, Barbara Price of South Carolina, and Janet Straton and husband Gary of Radium; and numerous loved ones.

She is preceded in death by son, Leo "Dave" Gerritzen; her parents; sister, Marilyn Klug; and brothers-in-law, Doug Klug and Ron Price.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be from noon to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, June 26, 2025, with family receiving guests from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., all at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorial service will take place at 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 27, 2025, at First United Methodist Church with Pastor Robert Selvakumar presiding. Private family inurnment will take place at a later time. Memorials have been designated to First United Methodist Church Education or Barton Community College Foundation, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530.