LaVerne Irene (Graham) McDonald

Heaven received another spunky angel on Sunday the 9th of July, 2017. LaVerne Irene (Graham) McDonald was born in Rock Lake, North Dakota to Isabella Summer (Gall) Graham and Ernest Floyd Graham. She moved with her family from Helena to Philipsburg Montana where she lived until she married the love of her life Bill McDonald on February 8, 1955, in Coeur de Lane, Idaho. Jim, Cindy, and Kathy were born in quick procession in Philipsburg, Montana and completed their loving family.

She is proceeded in death by her husband Bill, her brother and sister Mervil, Lyle, Leo, Faye, and grandson Taylor Rheinschimdt.


"What do you know?" was a valued phrase many waited for with her daily reach out to those she loved. Her goal was to keep everyone of her family members connected. If she was up and starting her day, her first thoughts were of her family, and she set out to speak with them. Her life was lived through her small, caring gestures. She was always available to those she loved…. ALWAYS. She quietly took care of those who she knew needed her most. When she was with you, she was genuinely with you, and you knew you were loved totally and unconditionally. She always guided openly and honestly with love with some dose of Spitfire thrown in.

LaVerne was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister. She had a uniquely vibrant character. LaVerne loved sports and adored her family. She could be the most sage of women and the silliest of playful friends. Her words of encouragement, wisdom, and sometimes comfort kept us in line, taught us the school of hard knocks and something to pass on to our children.

She is deeply missed and survived by her sister Ferne (Graham) Ballard, sisters-in-law; Jacque, Donna, Betty, Lorraine, her children Jim (Vicki), Cindy (John), and Kathy (Bill). Her grandchildren who were the light of her life Jimmer (Melissa), Kelli (Jeff), Trevor (Laura), Jessica, Anson, and Tanner. Great grandchildren include Jordan, Jayden, Kira, Dylan, J J, Strider, and Slade. She is loved by each of her large extended family members. As a treasured Auntie, many of her nieces and nephews sought her out for her abundance of love and acceptance.

Her spirited sense of humor will truly be missed by us all. She is at peace knowing she spent her final moments with loved ones.

A Memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 15th at 1pm at Sunset Funeral Home, 7405 Mullan Road. Condolences for the family may be sent to www.sunsetfuneralhomecemetery.com