Loverna Mae Kelley

Jan. 23, 1945 - Oct. 24, 2013

Date of Service: Nov. 1, 2013

Loverna Mae Kelley

BURLEY – Loverna Mae Kelley, age 68, passed away at her home on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2013.

She was born on Jan. 23, 1945, in Albion, Idaho, the daughter of Donald C. and Patty Lee (Updike) Kelley. She graduated from Burley High School and completed a degree in cosmetology. Loverna married John M. Gerrard on June 11, 1965, at the Assembly of God Church in Burley. Together, they had two children, John R. and LaDonna. They later divorced.

In Loverna’s early years she worked at a bakery, in the school lunch program, and as a beautician. She then was employed as a secretary at Ore-Ida Foods, Stars Ferry Building Supply, and then retired from Royce & Sons Tire.

Loverna had a kind and gentle personality. She met people well and was an extremely hard worker. She learned these qualities at an early age from her parents. Years ago she sang and played the accordion. She enjoyed sewing, arts and crafts, gardening, cooking and canning, and dancing. She especially loved riding horses, camping, fast cars, and her bird. However, most important to Loverna was her family and her friends.

She is survived by her sister, Kathy (Ron) Preston of Sandy, Ore.; her children, John R. Gerrard of Hazelton, and LaDonna L. (Gene) Cope of Burley; six grandchildren, Amber Dawn (Robert) Taylor, Christa Cope, Raymond (Nicole) Cope, Cody Alan Gerrard, Caleb Zane (Michelle) Gerrard, and Curstin Marie Gerrard; and six great-grandchildren, Lexzi Cope, KiLynn Taylor, Aiden Ezekiel Gerrard, McKenna Gudenau, Ziah Taylor and Emmett Potter.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 1, at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, with Pastor Travis Turner officiating.