LaVerna Rae Keller Paul passed away November 12, 2024 in Kearney, NE. She was born February 19, 1951 in Mullen, NE to Ray and Callona Keller. She was the third of 4 children and was raised on the family ranch northeast of Mullen. She attended country schools in Cherry County through 5th grade. In September 1962 the family moved to Gordon when her parents purchased the Conoco Station on Main street. She graduated from Gordon High School in 1969. During her high school years she was a member of the cheerleading team and was also a member of the band. Following high school graduation she attended Lincoln School of Commerce and graduated with a diploma in accounting in the spring of 1970. Following graduation she worked at the State Capitol in the Department of Administrative Services. In February 1971 she was engaged to Gary Paul and they married on June 12, 1971. In December 1971 following Gary’s graduation from UNL the couple returned to Gordon to join Gary’s family farm/ranch operation. Gary and LaVerna had 3 children, twins Aaron and Steven, and Melanie. LaVerna worked at Schott’s Tax Service during tax season from 1978 to 1984. She also work at Gordon Memorial Hospital doing the payroll and accounts payable from 1991 until 2001. During that time she was the employee of the year. For 53 years she worked alongside her husband on the farm and ranch.
LaVerna was a compassionate caregiver through and through. She took care of her home and her garden and her immaculate yard. She cared for her dogs and cats. She was always willing to help out neighbors. She especially cared for her family and friends. “Love thy neighbor” was a command that she took seriously. Most of all, she took great pride in raising cattle. Calving season was a favorite time of year for her even though it required long hours of hard work.
LaVerna enjoyed researching her family history. She was the connecting link between far-flung cousins and aunts and uncles. She also enjoyed watching Denver Bronco football and going to Nebraska football games and trips to Deadwood with friends. LaVerna was a life long member of Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church.
In March of 2024 her health declined and she moved to a care facility in Kearney, Ne which was near her son Aaron’s home. She lived a beautiful life and her smile will be greatly missed.
She is preceded in death by her parents Ray and Callona, father-in-law and mother-in-law Herb and Ruth Evelyn Paul, and her niece, Kerri Keller and good friend Kathie Bixby. She is survived by her husband Gary, children Aaron (Jennifer) of Kearney, Steven of Gordon, and Melanie (Scott) of Gordon; grandchildren Jayden and Alex Paul, Brendan Brehmer and Bristol Sterkel; Brothers Sid, Dan (Judith), Andy (Judy); sister-in-law Gayle (Jerry); and nieces and nephews and good friends Diane Sandage and Linda Eisenreich.
Services will be held November 18th 2024 at 2 p.m. at Chamberlain Chapel with Jason Funk officiating. Interment will follow at the Gordon Cemetery. Fellowship will follow at the Gordon American Legion. Memorials may be made in care of the family to be given to the Alzheimer’s Association.