
LaVerne UpShaw
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LaVerne Upshaw went to be with her Lord, husband and other friends and family on December 29, 2021, at the age of 92. Dorothy LaVerne (Gruben) Upshaw was the fourth of eight children of Alvin and Vera (Ogden) Gruben of Rotan. She graduated from Rotan High School in 1948 and married her childhood sweetheart, Preston Upshaw on January 8, 1949.
LaVerne and Preston made their home in the Hart, Tx community. LaVerne helped with the farm by managing the books, running errands, cooking for the harvest crews and anything else that was needed. She also enjoyed substitute teaching for Hart ISD.
LaVerne was very engaged with the Hart Zealot Club and with the First Baptist Church of Hart. Music was always a part of her life. LaVerne and Preston sang duets for many weddings, funerals, graduations, and other events. LaVerne sang in the choir and taught Sunday school for years. She was also a member of the Singing Farmers. LaVerne and Preston joined the First Baptist Church of Lubbock when they moved to Ransom Canyon in 1997. LaVerne became a member of the Singing Women of West Texas.
LaVerne was an excellent cook and thoroughly enjoyed cooking, especially for her grandchildren. She enjoyed playing games and watching most sports. She especially liked watching any of the Texas Tech sports and tennis.
Preceded in death by her husband, parents, two brothers, and three sisters.
Loved ones include daughter, Melanie Hart and friend Julia Peterson; son-in-law, Marlan Hart; son, Reent Upshaw and Renay Rodgers; brothers Bobby Gruben and Wilbur Gruben; grandchildren, Kasey Hart and spouse Becky, Krystle Steele and husband Stevie, and Blane Upshaw; great grandchildren, Kolby and Ryder Steele, Jude Hart and Waylon Upshaw.
Viewing will be Tuesday January 4, 2021, at 9:00 AM in Sanders Memorial Chapel. Funeral Service will be Tuesday January 4, 2021, at 10:00 AM with Rev. Tony Gruben officiating. Graveside service to follow at Belviue Cemetery in Rotan, TX at 3:00 PM. Please celebrate the life of LaVerne by visiting www.sandersfuneralhome.com.
Memorials are suggested to the Preston and LaVerne Upshaw Student Fund at Wayland Baptist University or a favorite charity.

