LaVonne Edwards

LaVonne said goodbye to this world peacefully on July 21, 2025 of natural causes in the comfort of her own home, exactly where she wanted to be. Born on November 29, 1932 in Spokane to Cecil and Mollie (Hergert) Teal, she was the youngest of two daughters arriving 7 years after sister, Joyce. LaVonne spent most of her childhood living between areas in the Palouse and Spokane, ultimately attending North Central High School where she was active in clubs and social life. Most importantly, NC is where she met some of her lifelong friends and the love of her life, John Edwards. They were married October 6, 1950,

and soon had 2 daughters, Susan and Sally. LaVonne dutifully supported John in his career as they moved frequently throughout Washington State, collecting friends as they went before finally settling in a craftsman on Manito Boulevard in the late 1960s. LaVonne was incredibly intelligent and held various careers including as a dental hygienist and working for KJRB, where she made many enduring friendships. 1977, LaVonne supported John in his dream of opening of The Viking Tavern, which they owned until retirement in 1996. He was the big personality behind the bar, but she was the brains – keeping the business successfully operating as the bookkeeper and business manager. The Viking brought many more friends and memories into their lives and continues as a Spokane legacy to this day. While on Manito, countless memories and traditions were made for family and friends alike with magical parties that LaVonne hosted with what seemed the utmost of ease. LaVonne loved reading the newspaper, fashion, hosting, Gonzaga men’s basketball and her bobblehead Spike, a glass of chardonnay with a good salad, silly noisy toys, playing cards and fresh cut flowers. But most of all, besides her family, her favorite thing was her friendships. She had an infectious laugh that would sometimes cause tears of joy to well up in her eyes, never missed a birthday phone call and a card, kept traditions alive and stayed in touch with all the friends she’d collected over the decades. She provided love in a no-nonsense way and wasn’t afraid to speak her truth. She was adored by so many and a joy to be around. She was sassy but sweet, with a wicked sense of humor, classy and gracious beyond belief until her dying day – earning her the affection of her medical team and caregivers in her last few weeks. She is preceded in death by her parents and sister, husband John, son-in-law Marc, and daughter Susan. She is survived by daughter Sally Akiyama; 7 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren – all of whom hold precious memories. A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 15, 2025 at 11 a.m. with a reception at Heritage Funeral Home, 508 N. Government Way, Spokane, followed by a happy hour at Poole's Pub on Regal at 1:30pm.