Lavina R. Havens

Lavina Ruth Goering Havens, 90, McPherson, KS, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, surrounded by family at Salina Regional Health Center.

She was born October 30, 1934, in Goessel, KS, the daughter of Peter P. and Marie (Ratzlaff) Penner. She graduated from Inman High School. On March 1, 1957, Lavina was united in marriage to Forrest Goering. He died November 26, 1996. She later married Austin L. Havens on March 7, 2015, in McPherson, KS. He died November 30, 2022.

Lavina was a homemaker and was a housekeeper at the Red Coach Inn. She was a member of New Hope Evangelical Church, McPherson. She enjoyed quilting with The Mission Society at Hopefield Mennonite Church and going to Western Kansas to cut wheat in her earlier days. She spent her time with family, reading books, and sewing. Her favorite special activities included baking peppernuts and German Faspa during the holidays, reading the Christmas Story, and reading Luke 2. She rested in her faith and enjoyed her time with family and friends. She wanted those in her life to know above all, Faith, Trust, and Love.

Survivors include children, Lynnae (Lee) Applequist of McPherson, KS, Darin (Teresa) Goering of Salina, KS, and Lisa (Kirk) Bouray of McPherson, KS; son-in-law, Calvin Voth of McPherson, KS; sister, Velma Unruh of Galva, KS; grandchildren, Emily (Steven) Davis, Rosette (Damon) Kleinsorge, Grace (Ethan) Price, Aaron Voth, Andrea (Bo) Flores, Abbie Goering, Journey Goering, and Bethanie (Nick) Purcell;  great-grandchildren, Luke, Lili, Landen Lockhart, Dakota Davis, Addison and Jadon Kleinsorge, Lylah Price, and Paislynn Purcell; step-great-grandchildren, Lucas and Emma Davis; and many extended family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Peter & Marie Penner; husband, Forrest Goering and Austin Havens; sister, Elda Jantzen; and daughter, Charla Voth.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM, Sunday, March 2, 2025, at Stockham Family Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held at 9:00 AM, Monday, March 3, at Hopefield Mennonite Church Cemetery (Moundridge, KS) with a memorial service following at 10:30 AM, Monday, at Stockham Family Funeral Home with Pastor George Bocox officiating.  To view a live stream broadcast of the service, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

Memorial donations can be made to New Hope Evangelical Church or Global Gates (an evangelical missions organization) in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.