LaVonne "Vonnie" Schell

LaVonne Schell was born on September 10, 1960, in McLaughlin, South Dakota. She spent her early years in Selfridge, North Dakota, where she attended school until the winter of 1976. That year, her parents, Paul and Caroline, along with her brother Russell, relocated to Libby, Montana. 

Throughout her school years, LaVonne was an active participant in sports and activities. She was a cheerleader and ran track, often fondly recalling how she once ran so fast she thought her legs might fall off. She completed her senior year and graduated from
Minneapolis High School in 1978. 

After graduation, LaVonne took a trip to the Hawaiian Islands, which left her with lasting memories. Upon returning, she attended a community college in Minneapolis while also working at a local nursing home. Then she moved to Aberdeen, SD, Mandan, ND and then Fargo.  

LaVonne enjoyed a variety of hobbies, including long walks, crocheting, and relaxing with a jigsaw puzzle while listening to her favorite 70s and 80s rock music. She had a wide range of musical tastes and could appreciate just about any genre. 

She had a deep and abiding love for her family, including her father, Paul; mother, Caroline; brother, Dwayne (Teresa); brothers, Tim (Margaret) and Russell (Lisa); sisters, Lyla Gross (Glenn), Evelyn Snyder (Dennis); along with many nieces and nephews. LaVonne was known for remembering every birthday, always offering a thoughtful memory of each person on their special day. 

Sadly, LaVonne struggled with mental illness for much of her life, a condition that began in her youth. This illness affected her ability to experience some of the things many people take for granted. Despite the challenges she faced, LaVonne remained an important and cherished member of her family.