Arloene Lavon Leafgreen of Marshall, 100, passed away May 29, 2025, at Ben Hur Home, Crawfordsville.
She was born July 11, 1924, at Culver Union Hospital in Crawfordsville, to Esther (Whelchel) and Edgar Staggs. She reportedly was the first mother and baby to survive a C-section there. Vonnie graduated from Marshall High School and Roscoe Turner Aviation Institute as a welder. She worked at Allisons in Speedway during World War II, where she met J. William Leafgreen. They married Oct. 14, 1944, in Byron, Indiana. She accompanied her Naval husband throughout his assignments in the United States. After the war, her husband’s employer transferred them to various cities, including two memorable years in England. They had two sons, Mark and Craig, and eventually returned to the family farm after her husband’s retirement.
Lavon was known for her welcoming nature. She greeted the first Amish family that moved to Parke County with homemade soup and groceries and enjoyed visits from many Amish families, especially the children, whom she offered popcorn and ice cream. She cared for various family members during their later years and took two European cruises in her late 80s. She was fond of her cats, Fluffy and later, Butch.
She is survived by son Craig (Kathy); special sons, Paul McAuliffe (Roberta) and Gordon Boyd (Peggy); grandsons, Eric (Ghedi) and Sean (Stephanie); step-granddaughters, Kristen Collins (Travis) and Lyndsay Champion (Matt); four great-grandchildren; a great-great grandchild; niece Connie Timmons; nephew Andy Balser (Linda); and Butch the cat.
Lavon was preceded in death by her parents; sister Ellie; husband J. William; and son Mark.
The family thanks Ruby Stutzman for enabling Lavon to live independently at home during her later years, as well as the staff of Ben Hur Home and Franciscan Hospice for their end-of-life care.
Donations may be made to the Indiana University School of Medicine to support heart research. Memorial gifts should be payable to “IU Foundation – Heart Research” and mailed to Indiana University School of Medicine, c/o IU Foundation, P.O. Box 7072, Indianapolis, IN 46207, indicating “In memory of Lavon Leafgreen.”
A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 12 at Machledt & Servies Funeral and Cremation Services, 301 E. Green St. Waveland. Visitation will be from noon until the time of service. Burial will take place at a later date.
Visit www.serviesmorgan.com where you may leave online condolences or share a memory with the family.
