Funeral Service for LaVelva E. Amos-Williams, 83 of Peever, SD will be held on Monday, July 7, 2014 at 2:00 pm at the Ascension Presbyterian Church, Big Coulee with the Rev. Vern Donnell and Jr. Heminger CLP officiating. Pianist will be Mary Beth Kirk and Billy Kohl, with special music by Big Coulee Choir and Episcopal Singers. Pallbearers will be D.J. Amos, Mike Wiggins, Micah Amos, Caleb Amos, Gerald Amos, Ronnie Neilan. Honorary Pallbearers will be Mary Beth Kirk, Alta German, Barb Anderson, Norma Perko, Audrey German, Jane Gillmore, Veronica Kuehn, Elaine German, Doris Bursheim, Esther Halbert, Caril Amos, Billy Kohl, Lynn Dubois, LuAnn Emmick, Paula Armstrong, Kathy White, Kathy Oien, Rosella Heminger, Marlene Iron Heart, Rose Chase, Diane Flannery, Patricia Oceguera, Betty Amos, Joann Spider and all Fellow Presbyterian Women. Interment will be in the Ascension Presbyterian Cemetery, Big Coulee. Wake Services will be held at the Tribal Community Center, Agency Village at 7:00 PM on Saturday and an all-night Wake on Sunday. The Cahill Funeral Chapel, Sisseton, SD is in charge of arrangements.
LaVelva was born on June 23, 1931 at Sisseton, SD to Norby and Flora Phelpes, and raised with many brothers and sisters. LaVelva was a beautiful woman. She was raised by two well-known and respected elders, her parents. Regardless of having grown up in a large family LaVelva and all her siblings were raised in a way that would teach the next generation to come how to work hard and have kind hearts. LaVelva is a name that brings a smile to your face whenever you hear it she is known for many things. She has impressed many with her expertise for making some of the most beautiful star quilts one has ever seen. Her creative mind thought up many different designs over many years. Every quilt is different and it always seems as though coming up with so many color combinations was just as natural as breathing to LaVelva. LaVelva was united in marriage to Phillip Williams on January 4, 1963 in Wheaton, MN. She is member of the big Coulee Ascension Church she served as an elder for many years as well as a member of ladies aid and always had a helping hand in whatever the church had going. on. She was raised in the church and the knowledge and faith that was gained is evident in her everyday life. Not only is she a faithful member but she was also a faithful choir member and there are many that remember her through her voice and dedication in spreading the love of God through praise and worship. LaVelva was also a great cook. She cooked at the Big Coulee School and put in over thirty years working for the local hospital and not to mention all those very large and delicious meals she prepared for her family during all the holidays and special events. LaVelva has done a lot to bring a good reputation to her name through her life, whether it was her cooking, quilts, her work and dedication in the church, or her cheerful way of greeting others. For all those who have had the opportunity to meet her would agree that LaVelva is truly Heaven sent. After all, raising a family of six children on her own was no easy task but she always showed her children love and provided them with living nurturing. The upbringing of all six of LaVelva's children has shown to be great because her children have blessed her with many grandchildren who get that same tender loving care, and it all stemmed from one woman. One woman who shows so much love and strength and a true example of God's love every singe day. LaVelva passed away on July 2, 2014 at the Tekakwitha Living Center, Sisseton, SD.
LaVelva is survived by six children, Tim and Dawn Amos of Rapid City, SD, Darrell and Judy Amos of Sisseton, SD, Richard Williams of Watertown, SD, AdrianWilliams of Peever, SD, Patty Williams of Rosholt, SD, Tom and Jane Gillmore of Yankton, SD, and adopted daughter Alta German of Peever, SD; one sister, Geraldine Kohl of Minneapolis, MN; two brothers, Charles Amos Sr. of Peever, SD and Harlan Amos of Sisseton, SD; nineteen grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren.
LaVelva was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one son Michael Williams, two brothers, Gaylord and Melvin Amos, and two sisters, Sybina Schaefford and Mabel Amos and one granddaughter Rachel Wiggins.