F. LaVerne Taulbee

Frances LaVerne. Taulbee, passed away February 10, 2017. 

She was born on October 26, 1937 to Edward Earl and Mary Elizabeth (Baker) Newton in Leavenworth, KS.  LaVerne grew up on the family farm near Platte City.  She attended Lanter School and graduated from Platte City High School. 

On Setpember 5, 1959 she was united in marriage to Jesse Reynolds Taulbee.  After their marriage, they lived in Platte City where they made their home and raised their children Rebecca Lynne and Elizabeth Ann.  Jesse passed away on January 11, 2009.

LaVerne was a loyal member of the First Christian Church of Platte City where she served as Sunday School Superintendent, Historian, and Choir Member.  She was an active member for many years in school events and the PTA.  She was also a Girl Scout Leader before she was even a mother and then a leader for her daughters as they rose through the ranks of Girl Scouts.  LaVerne was also a member of the Platte City PEO Chapter, LG, the Platte City Eastern Star, the Rebekah Lodge and was one of the founding members of the Platte City Parks and Recreation Board, serving as secretary/treasure for many years.  Her biggest passion in retirement was preserving Platte County History.  LaVerne was the archivist for Platte County, assisting with genealogy for people all over. 

She worked for Jim Farley Law Office; Farley State Bank; the Landmark; Platte City Special Road District; and retired from Wells Bank as a bank teller.  LaVerne loved to follow her grandchildren in the athletic and academic actives and in their early years, she was part of the Living History Reading Group at North Platte.  She was a member of the “Rovanettes” now known as the “Do Nothing Club”.  She thoroughly enjoyed her “coffee” group meeting every morning to solve the current world events.  Above all, Laverne cherished every minute of being a mother, grandmother, sister and aunt.

LaVerne was also preceded in death by her parents Earl and Mary Newton and an infant brother Will Ed Newton.

She is survived by her daughters Becky Wenzel and husband Bennie and Betsy Hodgson and husband Mark; grandchildren J. D. Hodgson, B.R. Wenzel, Kaycee Hodgson and Brock Wenzel; brother Grundy Newton and wife Cathy; four nephews Lance Newton, Clint Newton and wife Susan, Ron Taulbee and Chris Taulbee; great niece and nephew Mac and Maddie Newton; her beloved beagle Chester; and numerous other relatives and friends. 

Funeral Service:  10:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 14th at First Christian Church, Platte City

Burial:  Platte City Cemetery

Visitation:  6:00-8:00 p.m. Monday February 13th at the church

Donations may be made Platte County Historical Society or the church

Arrangements by Hixson-Klein Funeral Home, Smithville