LaVon (Newbold) Francis

Having lived a life that spanned just five months shy of a century, LaVon Newbold Francis passed peacefully at home on the afternoon of December 4, 2024. After living a life filled with wondrous change, significant advances in the world, and sorrow and joy, our loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend was an unassuming but determined force to be reckoned with.  She was the last member of her family to complete this mortal journey and has now joined them all in a joyous reunion and celebration. 

LaVon was born May 11, 1925, to Lyda Leon Robinson Newbold and George Lorenzo Newbold in Devil’s Slide, Utah. She attended school both in Devil’s Slide and Morgan, Utah, graduating from Morgan High School in 1943. Following her high school graduation, she moved to Salt Lake City and attended the University of Utah. LaVon married Earl Rollins Francis at Eglin Field Air Base, Florida, on March 21, 1944. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple on August 24, 1944.

LaVon continued her education at LDS Business College while Earl was stationed in Alaska for the remainder of WWII as a fighter pilot conducting flight performance testing in cold weather conditions for the U.S. Air Force.  Following graduation from LDS Business College, she worked for Travelers Insurance Company before she and Earl started their family of five children: David (stillborn), Margo, Cheri, Robyn, and Brett.

An active and faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints with a strong life-long testimony who enjoyed serving others, LaVon was especially devoted to her family.  She never missed making a personal phone call and sending a birthday card to each member of the family.  She attended recitals, sports activities, weddings, and other events with love and a smile.  She had the incredible talent of being able to make every grand and great-grandchild feel like they were her favorite. She always made time to celebrate their triumphs, talk through their disappointments, and find solutions to their problems. You knew beyond any doubt you always had her gratitude, support, and love. Mom, we will hold you in our hearts forever and cherish the memories.

LaVon is survived by her daughters, Margo Selin and Cheri (Blaine) Gehring; son, Brett (Debbie) Francis; son-in-law, Michael (Diane) Romney; 15 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by son David N. Francis, parents, husband Earl R. Francis; daughter Robyn F. Romney; sister Bernice N. Snow; brother Dale G. Newbold; and grandson David Selin.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, December 12, 2024, at the Holbrook Mortuary, 3251 South 2300 East, Millcreek, UT 84109, with a visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m., funeral service to follow at 10:00 a.m. and interment at the South Morgan Cemetery, 355 South State Street, Morgan, UT 84050 at 1:00 p.m.

https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTczMzkzNzQxOTM0MDg1NCZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==