LaVonne Ertz, 77

On June 26, 2015, LaVonne Ertz, 77, “graduated from this life on earth to eternal life with God in heaven.” She died in the comfort of her daughter’s care at Tamie and Dan Hollingsworth’s home in Anchorage, Alaska, with her husband of 57 years, Ralph Ertz, by her side.

LaVonne was born in Sandpoint, Idaho, on Nov. 25, 1937, to Laurence and Maxine Lautaret. She was the oldest of four children. She spent most of her childhood in Kalispell, where she received a high school diploma in 1956, from Flathead County High School. After high school, she attended Pacific Bible College in Portland.

In 1958, she married Ralph Ertz. They raised three children, Tamie, Ralph and Lonita. In 1970, they moved to Anchorage where they resided for more than 30 years. In 2007, LaVonne and Ralph returned to the Flathead Valley to care for her mother and aunt. Most recently, Ralph and LaVonne enjoyed traveling between their homes in Kalispell, and Patagonia, Arizona, and up to Alaska for visits with family and friends.

LaVonne was perhaps the most positive, pleasant person one could ever meet. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She constantly marveled at the glory of God’s creation, insisting on being outside whenever possible. She enjoyed bird watching, gardening, taking long hikes, hunting and fishing with her husband, or just sitting on the porch with a dish of her favorite ice cream (maple nut) watching the wildlife around her.

Those who knew LaVonne knew that she couldn’t contain her love for God. She happily shared the Gospel with those around her and traveled all over the world to share God’s love with all people. Some of the countries she visited included Africa, Chile, Peru and Guatemala. On those trips, she helped to build new homes, schools and churches and taught children about the Bible. In Alaska, she ran a bus ministry, bringing families without transportation to her church to hear God’s Word. She was truly a good and faithful servant to God.

In addition to the missions’ trips, LaVonne had lots of other adventures in her life. In Montana, she and Ralph ran a 100-mile trap line (with the children in tow!). She spent many summers helping Ralph on their commercial fishing boat in Bristol Bay, Alaska — something not very many women were willing to do. She was never afraid to take on a new challenge.

For a living, LaVonne sold real estate and eventually became a broker with her own office. She also sold health supplements of Matol and Monavie and Weekender clothing on the side.

LaVonne was preceded in death by her parents, Laurence and Maxine Lautaret; her grandson, Dustin Hollingsworth; and her son-in-law, Bradley Wainwright.

LaVonne is survived by her husband, Ralph Ertz; her children and their spouses, Tamie Hollingsworth and Dan, Ralph Ertz Jr. and Tami, and Lonita Wainwright-Fisher and Rob; her siblings, Carolyn Tulowitzky and Clyde, Larry Lautaret and Rena, and Rita Stein and John; her grandchildren, Nathan Hollingsworth and Lauren, Autumn Loken and Nic, Topaz Hollingsworth, Caleb Wainwright, Levi Wainwright, Dakota Wainwright, Jordan TeSelle and Jake, Ryan Ertz, and Dalton Ertz; three great-grandchildren, Vera and Noah Loken and Hayden TeSelle; and many beloved nieces, nephews and great friends.

A gathering to celebrate her life will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at Hillside Church, Highway 93, Whitefish.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hillside Church Guatemala Missions Fund.