LaVerne Motley made her final journey to Heaven’s gates on June 24, 2025. For 104 years, six
months, and ten days she blessed countless family members and friends with her love and
friendship. LaVerne, the third child born to Seth and Irene (Loftin) Dains, arrived on December
14, 1920, west of Monegaw Springs, MO. Along with her two older brothers, John Emmitt and
Robert, LaVerne welcomed four additional siblings, Willard, Clive, Jay, and Mary.
LaVerne’s memory was remarkable. Her vivid stories made one feel like you were right there
with her and her siblings as they rode in the wagon all day to see “Pa” or seeing the little white
casket of her young brother Clive. She could remember dental patients’ names and phone
numbers, along with family and friends, well past her 100 th birthday.
LaVerne attended elementary school at the Prairie Home School District. She had to reside with
her Aunt Rena and Uncle Jeff Loftin of rural Osceola, MO to attend high school. Her walking
commute was two miles each day to and from school. However, LaVerne’s high school
education came to an immediate halt when she contracted scarlet fever.
In 1937 LaVerne married Herman Motley. Their daughter, Erma Lee, was born in 1938. After the
divorce in 1944, LaVerne and Erma Lee lived with her parents. She cared for her parents with
love and dedication until their deaths.
In 1946, LaVerne went to work at the General Store in Rockville, MO owned by Veron (Jelly)
and Alma Harden. She worked there for 15 years, six days a week, including Saturday nights.
The week after the store sold to new owners, Dr. Stanley Meeks offered LaVerne a job as his
dental assistant. In the years that followed, besides Dr. Meeks, LaVerne assisted Dr. Steven
Airey and Dr. Paul Baraban. She lovingly held countless children’s hands during dental
procedures providing comfort. In 2000, at the age of eighty, she retired from a career spanning
nearly forty years as a dental assistant.
LaVerne had multiple talents. She meticulously mowed her own yard. Her gardening skills were
apparent in the large gardens she raised allowing for abundant canning and freezing to share
with others. She raised chickens for the eggs and to butcher. LaVerne picked apples from the
orchard making applesauce and pies. She dried apples by placing an old sheet on the metal
roof of the chicken house. She would then make fried apple pies from the dried apples. LaVerne
was known for pumpkin and pecan pies at church dinners and community gatherings. At
Christmas, she would make over a thousand cookies to share with family and friends. Ernestine
Burchett and La Verne shared wonderful memories baking cookies together. She was a
wonderful teacher, teaching 4-H foods for nine years, as well as gardening and other life skills.
LaVerne accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior, keeping him close to her heart throughout her
life. She was a baptized member of Round Prairie Baptist Church for many years where she
taught Sunday School. After LaVerne and her mother moved into their new home south of
Taberville in 1978, she joined the Pape Christian Church, where she served as an “unofficial”
greeter, making all attendees feel welcome. She felt so blessed when Pastor Dennis Wallen and
Rhonda faithfully visited her each Sunday after she became unable to attend church.
LaVerne was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star for 72+years. Her life embodied the
spirit of fraternal love and dedication to work for the good of all humanity. She was a living
example of “Love thy neighbor.” Always thinking of others, taking them food, fresh garden
vegetables, making phone calls, and more.
Nieces and nephews loved and adored “Aunt Vernie.” It was like having a bonus mom/grandma.
She was interested in their lives, always asking questions, giving advice, attending special
events, and sharing her love. She was a tremendous support during times of great sadness,
providing comfort, and frequently saying, “BE TOUGH.” Niece, Karol Stephan, was honored and
privileged to live and care for Aunt Vernie in her home for the last six and half years before she
needed nursing home care. Wonderful stories were shared, and priceless memories were
made.
LaVerne’s parents and all her siblings proceeded her in death. Surviving LaVerne are her
daughter, Erma Lee, (Norman) Davis, grandsons Kevin (Jacque) Davis, Kerry Davis, and great
grandsons, Kyle, and Tyler Davis. Also surviving is one sister-in-law, Mary (Kathy) Dains (Jay).
A host of nieces and nephews, her church families, as well as friends, and neighbors will miss
“Vernie” and look forward to seeing her again.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Pape Christian Church or the St. Clair County Museum and Historical Society in honor of Laverne Motley.
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