LaVerne Wood

C. LaVerne Wood

September 30, 1939 – January 16, 2023

Catherine LaVerne Wood, age 83 of Monroe, went home to be with her Lord on Monday, January 16, 2023 at the IHM Senior Living Community.

Born September 30, 1939 in Florence, Kentucky. LaVerne was the daughter of the late Aquilla Mathias and Marie (Brunswick) Simms. She graduated from St. Henry’s High School in Florence, Kentucky.

LaVerne first married Merrell J. Young in Florence, Kentucky in 1959. They raised a family of four children. Her second marriage was to Michael R. Wood in Sarasota, Florida in 1985. LaVerne worked as a reservation agent and retired from the U.S. Airways after many years. Most importantly, she loved spending quality time with her family.

LaVerne was a mother, stepmother, grandmother & friend that was a person to be reckoned with! She was so strong willed, a two-time breast cancer survivor and a fierce fighter. She was genuine and down to earth. LaVerne did not beat around the bush, and she took no B.S. After going through several illnesses and finally, a pulmonary embolism, she passed away peacefully knowing she was loved and that she would be dearly missed.

Beloved mother of Leslie Young, Christopher (Christina) Young, and Karen Montgomery. Stepmother of Brad Wood and Tammy (Scott) Hutton. Loving grandmother of Steven Young, Sean Young, Brittany Fowler, Hannah Montgomery, Eli Montgomery, Joseph Young, Jonathon Young, Autumn Hutton-Labruzza, Tiffany Hutton, Scott Hutton Jr., Jared Hutton, and Abigail Eckman. Great grandmother of Caleb, Nicolas & Chloe Young, Xaiver, Lawrence & Isabella Young, Gavin & Gracelyn Fowler, Owen, Noah & Olivia Young, Scott Hutton III, and Finnegan Labruzza. Dear sister of Richard, Paul & David Simms, and Ellen Coyle. Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, LaVerne was preceded in death by: Her son: Harold Young, Husband: Mike Wood, Brothers: Ralph & Jack Simms, and Sister: Anna Mae Suarez.

In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place. A small memorial service will be held at Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum, 118 Woodland Ave., Dayton, OH 45409 in the Mausoleum near the main gate on Friday, January 27, 2023 at 3:00 PM. There will be an informal gathering after at Marion’s Pizza 711 Shroyer Rd. Dayton, OH 45419

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Rupp Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent to www.ruppfuneralhomeinc.com