LaVonne Mae DeGroote, age 93, was born November 26, 1932, in Grundy County, Iowa, the daughter of James and Anna (Fiet) Sell. She attended and graduated from Reinbeck High School in 1950.
LaVonne was born again on February 9, 1952, after reading the tract “God Is Satisfied—Are You?” She was in fellowship with the Christians at the Stout Gospel Hall for 74 years.
On March 3, 1952, LaVonne married the love of her life, Robert DeGroote, in Waterloo, Iowa. During the time Bob served in the Army in Germany, LaVonne worked at a bank in Waterloo operating a proof machine. When Bob returned home, the two began their life farming together northeast of Parkersburg, working side by side for many years, until retirement.
LaVonne will be lovingly remembered for her love of gardening, canning, crocheting and the joy she found in spending time with her family. She especially cherished her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, always showing them love, encouragement, and kindness. She lived her life as a true reflection of her faith and Godly testimony, which touched the lives of many around her. She will be fondly remembered for her warmth in the kitchen, where she baked the best apple pies – a sweet example of the love and care she put into everything she did.
LaVonne passed away on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at Creekside Living Cottages & Villa’s in Grundy Center, Iowa. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; an infant daughter, great-grandson, Hudson Hayes, three brothers, Harry, Roy and Elmer; and four sisters, Mary, Erma, Evelyn and Florence.
Those left to cherish her memory are a son, Duane (Marie) DeGroote of Parkersburg; a daughter, Linda (Sid) Hayes of Dike; five grandchildren, Melody (Dan) Massoth of Shell Rock, Rick (fiancée, Kayla Johnson) DeGroote of Parkersburg, Ryan (Cristina) Hayes of West Liberty, Dustin (Kristal) Hayes of Dike, and Joel (Ashley) Hayes of Holland; and 16 great-grandchildren.
Funeral Services will be at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Stout Gospel Hall in Stout, Iowa, with burial in the Oak Hill Cemetery in Parkersburg, Iowa.
Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, at the Stout Gospel Hall in Stout.
Online condolences may be left at www.redmanfuneral.com
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