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Raised by her Aunt Fern Wines in Oroville, Wash. LaVena grew up with cousins who became siblings and friends who became family.
She married Lynn Williams in 1963 after dating all through high school. Their first home was married student housing at Eastern Washington University where their son Terry was born in 1965.
They moved to Lyle, Wash., in 1967, planning to stay for 2 years, like most new teachers do. Once Lynn caught his first salmon, LaVena knew they were hooked. Lynn taught for 7 years in Lyle, then in Klickitat, Wash., until his retirement in 1997.
LaVena provided day care and was a beloved nanny for several families throughout the gorge and made a lasting impact on generations.
She is survived by son, Terry Williams (Tammy) of Dallesport, Wash., and their children Zoe and Tristan; daughter, Jennifer (Brian) Erickson of Beaverton, Ore., and their daughters, Randi, Jessi, and Karli; brother Dwight Peterson (Lana) of Aurora, Colo.; cousin/sister Glenna Shields of Spokane, Wash.; many nieces, nephews and cousins throughout Washington, Idaho, and Colorado.
LaVena was predeceased by her father, Dale Nathan Moore of Spokane, Wash.; mother, Mary Lou Smith of Aurora, Colo.; aunt Fern Wines of Oroville, Wash.; husband, Lynn Williams of Lyle, Wash.; and cousin/brother Forest Wines of Wenatchee, Wash.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m., Feb. 16, 2019 at Gateway Church in The Dalles.
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