Helen Laverne Dudley, 92

Helen Laverne Dudley died July 11, at the age of 92, on Bainbridge Island. She was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, V.C. Dudley.

Born November 16, 1915 in Norfolk, Neb., Helen (Laverne) Van Scoy grew up in Iowa. She was married to V.C. Dudley in August 1936, moving to Ida Grove, Iowa, in 1960. As willing to pick up a hammer and nails as to cook a meal, Laverne raised her children with the same independence of spirit, and considered the gift of four productive members of society one of her greatest achievements. After retirement, the Dudleys escaped the snowy winters to Oroville, Calif., in 1980 where she enjoyed playing bridge and sewing. Never one to be idle, she also took up painting, gifting friends and families with her lovely artwork.

In 1986, Laverne was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and was a regular pioneer for more than 20 years, rarely missing a day out in service. In 1999, Laverne moved to Redding, Calif., and then spent the last two years of her life living on Bainbridge Island near her Washington children and grandchildren.

Dudley is survived by her children: Clinton Dudley and wife, Cindi of Kingston; daughter Sharon Boullion and husband, Thomas of Red Bluff, Calif.; daughter Janet Isett and husband, Kevin of Sequim; and daughter Pamela Ackerman and husband, Randy of Millville, Calif. Her grandchildren: Richard and AnnaMaria Boullion of Red Bluff, Tristan and Deni Isett of Sequim, Chad Ackerman and wife, Ginny of Lampasas, Texas; Eric Ackerman of Millville; Kristina, Jessica and Miranda Ackerman of Spokane; and great-grandchild, Nevaeh Ackerman of Spokane.

Her memorial was held on July 26 at the Bella Vista Kingdom Hall in Redding.