Lavina “Toots” May Craven, 91, of North Platte, NE passed away on Sunday, May 5, 2024 at Great Plains Health. She was born on October 22, 1932 in Belfield, ND, the daughter of John and Frida Brodersen.
Toots grew up in North Dakota and worked for a telephone company after graduation from high school. She met Amos James Craven outside a movie theater in North Dakota, and they were married in 1957. The couple then lived in Wyoming, where Jim was a pharmacist. They then moved to North Platte in 1964, and owned the pharmacy in the Gibsons store, where Toots worked alongside Jim. They were past members of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. Toots liked crafting, painting, cross stitching, sewing, and baking. She also enjoyed reading, especially new cookbooks and trying out new recipes. She loved traveling, especially visiting all the state capitals.
Those left to cherish her memory are son, Craig Craven of North Platte; grandchildren, Pedro Mata of Omaha, and Joana (Jason) Jensen of North Platte; great grandchildren, Carter and Callie Jensen of North Platte; sister, Audrey (Paul) Boden, of Albuquerque, NM, Fay Polen of Slydell, LA, and Annabell Brodersen, of Portland, OR; brothers, Robert (Darlene) Brodersen, of Billings, MT; and numerous other family members and friends.
She was predeceased by her parents, husband Jim; daughter in law, San “Juany” Craven; brother, Paul Brodersen, and sister, Goldie (Nick) Kessel.
Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 9, 2024 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel with Pastor Mark Baldwin officiating. Burial will be private. The memorial book will be available to sign from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 8th at Carpenter Memorial Chapel.
Memorials may be made to the family for future designation. Carpenter Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements.