LaVonne Virginia Boyd

LaVonne Virginia Boyd died Nov. 7, 2013, at Mat-Su Regional Hospital from complications of giant cell arteritis. Her family and friends had been keeping vigil and her son and daughter-in-law were present at the time of her passing. She will be tremendously missed by everyone who knew her.

LaVonne was born April 2, 1940 in Denver, Colo. She spent the first part of her life there, graduating from Colorado State University with a Bachelor of Science degree. From there she married, moved to Washington, had two boys, divorced and continued the adventure of her life by moving to Melbourne, Australia. LaVonne lived in Melbourne for 30 years as a successful Life Coach for people needing help with various business and personal crises.

In 2004, she moved to Wasilla to be near family. She immediately submersed herself in Valley life. She joined the Chamber of Commerce and Toastmasters International. She tried to continue her Life Coaching business here in Alaska. During her time with the Chamber of Commerce she was on several committees organizing such events as The Winter Ball, The Salmon Derby, and New Year’s and Fourth of July parades. She was also an ambassador for the chamber, welcoming new businesses to Wasilla and attended many ribbon cutting ceremonies, including for the new Target store.

As a sales agent for KMBQ and Ohana Media Group, she continued making contacts and friends throughout the Valley. She supported the Denali Destroyer Dolls, Alaska Dog and Puppy Rescue and Friday Flings in Palmer, just to name a few. Her commitment to the Valley didn’t end there. When she left Ohana Media Group, she went to work for Mat-Su Business Alliance, continuing her passion of making Wasilla a great place for business.

When she wasn’t working, LaVonne was volunteering. You could find her either helping out in her community and dragging her grandkids along or helping her family and watching her grandkids at home. LaVonne volunteered for the last two years as a coordinator of services and helping with the opening of MY House’s the Gathering Place, a place for homeless teens to do laundry, get clothing or food packs and find help with employment opportunities. The teens also have the ability to work on site. MY House has a café and auto detail shop.

LaVonne served on the board of LINKS Mat-Su Parent Resource a number of years, and for the last two years she served as Board President. She was a strong community liaison, a faithful and dependable board member and an invested leader through a time of change and growth. Although she had very strong opinions, she was always receptive and willing to hear another point of view and find common ground. She served passionately and effectively.

LaVonne is survived by her two sons, her daughter in law and nine grandchildren. Graveside services will be held Nov. 14 at noon at Sacred Heart Cemetery, 801 Edlund Road, Wasilla. The family asks in lieu of flowers to please send donations to either MY House at 300 N. Willow, Wasilla, AK 99654 or LINKS Mat-Su Parent Resource at 3161 E. Palmer-Wasilla Hwy. No. 2, Wasilla, AK 99654. She will be greatly missed by her family, her friends and her community.