LaVonne E. Benton , age 71 of Columbia City, passed away very unexpectedly on Monday, November 23, 2020 at her home.  She was born July 19, 1949 in Goshen, the daughter of Lawrence B. and Roma E. (Cole) LeCount.  LaVonne was a 1967 graduate of Summitville High School.  Upon graudation, she went straight into nursing as a licensed practical nurse while she continued her studies at Ball State University.  LaVonne earned a Bachelor's degree in nursing and became a registered nurse.  She later returned to college to earn a Master's degree in business from Indiana Wesleyan in business and a Master's degree in nursing from Walden College.  LaVonne worked for 50 years in nursing for numerous facilities, and most recently worked for V.N.A. and a managing nurse for Visiting Nurse Hospice care in Fort Wayne.  While caring for others, LaVonne also taught nursing studies for Western Governor's University and MedTech College for 10 years.  Her true passion in life was caring for others.  She loved animals and was especially fond of her many cats of various breeds.  Most recently, she was a member of the Chapel Church in Fort Wayne and was formerly a member of Grace Baptist Church in Anderson.  LaVonne enjoyed knitting, crafting, gardening, canning, and baking.  She was also very musically talented and could play the piano, violin, cello, guitar, and had a wonderful singing voice.  LaVonne enjoyed reading and especially enjoyed Bible studies.  More than anything, LaVonne had a giving heart and treasured the time she spent with her family.

LaVonne's family legacy includes 3 children, Luanne (wife Karla) Conner of New Castle, Scott (wife Melinda) Benton of Frankton, and Alisa (husband Andres) Briones of Columbia City; 2 foreign exchange students, Susanne (husband Mario) Schwabe of Germany and Julia (husband Brian) Batstone of Germany; brother, David LeCount of Elwood; 11 grandchildren, Kyle, Blake, Lindsey, Maria, Alex, Johnathan, Dustin, Cody, Samuel, Lauren, and Maddie; 5 great-grandchildren, Markus, Aubrey, Jonas, Braxton, and Marley; and several nieces and nephews.  LaVonne was preceded in death by her parents and sister-in-law, Carolyn LeCount.

A funeral service celebrating LaVonne's life will be conducted at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Pastor David Martin of Grace Way Church in Fort Wayne, officiating.  Burial will follow in Forrestville Cemetery in rural Summitville.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm on Tuesday prior to the funeral at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home.  Health precautions for the safety of the family and visitors will include wearing face coverings and social distancing.  Memorial contributions are suggested to the Whitley County Humane Society or the Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home in Fort Wayne through the funeral home.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at copherfeslermay.com.