Laverna Kay

Elwell

Laverna Kay Elwell, 73, a longtime resident of DeSmet, Idaho, passed away peacefully at her home on November 3, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. A devoted wife, mother, and homemaker, Laverna was a woman of remarkable creativity, determination, and love. She found happiness in life's simple pleasures, whether working with her hands, gathering nature's treasures, preparing a homemade meal, or spending time with those she loved.

Laverna was born on December 9, 1952, in Colville, Washington, to Denver and June Koerner. She grew up in Colville and later attended Walla Walla High School. Even as a young girl, Laverna demonstrated an extraordinary work ethic and a strong sense of responsibility. During her high school years, she juggled three jobs, delivering newspapers on a paper route, working in a bakery, and managing a car wash. Through her hard work and determination, she helped her mother pay off the family home, an accomplishment that spoke volumes about her generous heart and devotion to family.

Around New Years of 1971, Laverna's life changed forever when she met Michael Elwell at a local eatery in Walla Walla. Michael and a friend happened upon two young ladies sitting in a booth and asked if they could join them. One simple question led to a lifetime of love. For Laverna and Michael, it was love at first sight. The couple married on September 25, 1971, in Walla Walla, beginning a beautiful journey together that would span more than 55 years.

Following their marriage, Michael enlisted in the United States Navy, taking the young couple to Port Hueneme, California, where he was stationed at the Pacific Construction Battalion Base. After his military service, they returned to Walla Walla, where they began raising their family. Laverna embraced her role as a homemaker, pouring her heart into creating a loving and welcoming home for her husband and children.

In 1977, the family moved to Pokey Creek near Santa, Idaho. There, Laverna and Michael built their family home, where they would spend the next 12 years. It was a place filled with hard work, adventure, and cherished memories. Laverna remained home to raise and homeschool their children, teaching them not only their lessons but also the value of independence, creativity, and making the most of what life provided. The family enjoyed having horses, and Laverna's lifelong love of animals was a natural part of their country lifestyle.

The family later spent a short time in the Puget Sound area before Michael's work brought them back to North Idaho, near Potlatch. They eventually found property near DeSmet, Idaho, where they made their home.

As her boys grew older, Laverna returned to the workforce, working as an independent contractor flagging for Avista Utilities. She continued in this position for several years until she was struck by vehicles in two separate incidents while on the job, injuries that ultimately forced her to leave the profession.

Laverna was blessed with an incredible artistic spirit and a talent for creating beautiful things with her hands. One of her greatest passions was weaving willow baskets. She loved gathering the willow branches herself and transforming them into remarkable handmade creations. Over her lifetime, she crafted more than 800 baskets, each one a reflection of her patience, skill, and love for the natural world.

She also enjoyed berry picking and could find just about every kind of berry nature had to offer. Having grown up on a farm, she felt at home outdoors and had a deep appreciation for animals, plants, and the beauty surrounding her.

Laverna was rarely one to sit idle. Her hands were almost always busy with something, whether crocheting potholders, crafting, painting watercolors, or working on her next creative project. She was also an avid reader who enjoyed getting lost in a good book.

In the kitchen, Laverna's talents were just as impressive. She was a wonderful cook, and the smell of freshly baked bread was a familiar comfort in her home. She often baked bread in a cookstove, and her children especially remembered the playful faces she would sculpt into the dough. It was those little touches, the unexpected bits of humor and imagination, that made ordinary moments special and created memories her family would carry for a lifetime.

Laverna lived a life rich in love, creativity, hard work, and simple joys. She had a gift for taking the ordinary things around her and turning them into something meaningful and beautiful. Whether it was a willow basket carefully woven by hand, a loaf of bread fresh from the oven, or the home she lovingly created for her family, she left a little piece of herself in everything she did.

Although her hands are now at rest, the love she gave, the lessons she taught, and the beautiful memories she created will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Laverna is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Michael Elwell, at their family home in DeSmet, Idaho; daughters Terra Elwell of Portland, Oregon, and Jessica Diaz of Spokane Valley, Washington; sons Arthur (Terissa) Elwell of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and Elo Elwell of Moab, Utah; siblings Lori Cress, Lois Hollabaugh, Cindy Gordon, and Elmer "Bud" Koerner; 15 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Denver and June Koerner.

A potluck celebration of Laverna's life will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Rose Creek Longhouse in Worley, Idaho. Family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, and celebrate a woman whose life was filled with love, creativity, and devotion to those around her.