LaVena Sawyers

LaVena Mae Mills Sawyers of Poteau OK

December 5, 1937 – September 16, 2018

 

Our wife and mother, wearied by her 80 years of an incredible life, finally set down her earthly burdens to rest for eternity on September 16, 2018. She was born in Wellston, Oklahoma on December 5, 1937 to Reverend and Mrs. C.L. Mills (Josephine Colvard). LaVena was the third youngest child of eight surviving children, six girls and two boys.

She graduated from Wellston High School with honors in 1956. During her Junior High and High School years she had the reputation of a stellar basketball player including setting a new Oklahoma state high school record of scoring 51 points in a single game. In addition to graduating with honors, she also received the American Legion Award for scholarship and sportsmanship.

            LaVena attended the University of Oklahoma School of Nursing graduating with her bachelor’s degree in 1959. Her work history included multiple facets of nursing including private duty, maternity, occupational health and administrative positions including Assistant Director of Nursing for South Community Hospital and Hillcrest Hospital.

            LaVena married Everette Krieg on August 17, 1958 in McAlester, OK. They had two girls Lisa in 1960 and Karen in 1964 before divorcing in 1967.

            In May of 1970, LaVena married Ronald Sawyers at Capitol Hill Christian Church in Oklahoma City. Both of them were very active within the church for many years while their family grew, with DeLaun being born in July 1971.

            In 1977, after the death of her sister Paula Sue, LaVena and her family’s life was transformed when she became a friend of Bill W.

            In 1979, Ron and LaVena moved from Oklahoma City to the Longtown area of Lake Eufaula. After being weekend residents for many years they made the decision to begin working for themselves and living the life they dreamed of at the lake. LaVena left nursing and Ron left Nabisco to work together to own and operate their own store. Although the work was hard and the days long, they were able to enjoy it together. After many years of owning Ron’s Longtown Citgo, both Ron and LaVena retired from the 24/7 life to pursue other opportunities that were a bit more relaxing. Ron began selling cars again and LaVena returned to her first career of nursing with a Home Health Agency. Of course, it was no time at all that she wasn’t just working, she was running the place!

            In the Spring of 2011 as a result of declining health, Ron and LaVena moved to be near their youngest daughter DeLaun and her husband, Sam outside of Poteau Oklahoma. Always eager to learn something new, LaVena began her research and soon her hobby was investing in the cattle business with her son-in-law Sam. This was the subject of many humorous conversations regarding the potential naming of each calf. Sam and DeLaun managed the day to day activities of the ranch as well as providing tender loving care and true devotion to both Ron and LaVena. 

              Being raised within a large spiritual family at the First Baptist Church of Wellston, her faith continued to grow her entire life and she maintained a close relationship with her Lord throughout. She found her passion in life by helping her family and others in need, and believed that she was a truly blessed woman and servant of God. After moving to Lake Eufaula, LaVena was a member of Oak Ridge Baptist Church and later after moving to Poteau, Springhill Baptist Church. 
Preceded in death by her parents and grandparents, brothers, James Mills and Rolfe Mills, Sisters Joyce Gatten, JoAnn Harris, Inez Evans, and Paula Hall.

Survivors include husband, Ronald of the home; Daughters, Lisa Krieg of Norman; Karen Krieg of Estero, Florida; and DeLaun and husband, Sam Abbott of Poteau; grandson Dillon Williams (wife Byanka) of Gonzales, Texas; granddaughter Briley Abbott of Poteau; sister, Darlene Mills of Dallas, Texas; great granddaughter Devynn Williams, Gonzales, Texas.  Having seven brothers and sisters there are many nieces and nephews, LaVena cherished each and every one of them. Throughout her life LaVena considered herself very blessed with an abundance close friends.

            The family has entrusted arrangements to Evans & Miller Funeral Home in Poteau, OK. Memorial service 2:00 Wednesday, September 19, 2018 at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers the family requests that you make a donation to the charity of your choice.