Veda Sharp

Veda LaVon Humphreys Sharp was born September 8, 1941 and left this world for her new home in heaven on June 18, 2022.  She was born in Anthony, Kansas to Teddy Riley Humphreys and Veda Gertrude Claflin Humphreys.

LaVon was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Celestia Williams, and niece, Michal Gray.

She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Robert Sharp; her daughters, Robyn Rapp (Richard) and Kelli Gruber (Chad); grandchildren, Ryan Stogsdill (Matt), Russell Rapp (Morgan), Cole Gruber (Ceshia), Kalli Mason (Grant), Austin Gruber and Kammi Gruber (Gage); great grandchildren, Yana Young, Maddox Stogsdill, Sloan Rapp, Sam Mason, and Charlie Mason; nephew, Jim Williams, and niece, Terrie Williams.

LaVon, a former Medford Public School teacher and longtime Grant County resident, lived near Hawley, Oklahoma only a few miles from the homestead her grandfather, William Riley Humphreys, claimed in the 1893 Cherokee Strip land run.

She was an active member of Bethel Hawley Baptist Church from an early age.  She taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, and served wherever she was needed.

Vonnie, as she was known to family and friends, attended school at Gore Consolidated until the high school was closed and then Nash Public Schools her senior year, graduating in 1959.

Vonnie and Robert Wilbert Sharp, Jr were married October 22, 1959 in Alva.

After high school she went to college at Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva and received a Bachelor's degree in elementary education. She furthered her education by enrolling in the Masters of Education program at Wichita State University.

Her teaching career began at Satanta, Kansas, then Hugoton, Kansas, Goddard, Kansas, and finally Medford, Oklahoma where she taught from 1977 to 1988. Many students were in her class over the years and they were all her favorite!

LaVon was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in the early 80’s. She dealt with the disease in a determined way.  It was not going to stop her from living a full life. As the progression of the MS took its toll on her strength and energy she made the choice to retire from teaching so that her disability would not affect her students' learning.  In her retirement she and Bob were busy with church, missions, gardening, and family.

She will be missed by her family, many friends, and relatives.

Celebration of Life Service for LaVon will be Friday, June 24, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at Bethel Hawley Baptist Church with burial in New Home Cemetery near Nash.  Arrangements are by Lanman Funeral Home, Inc. of Medford.  Viewing will be at the funeral home in Medford on Thursday 10:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. with family present 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.  www.lanmanmemorials.com  Facebook:  Lanman Funeral Home Inc.

Memorials may be made to Bethel Hawley Baptist Church Scholarship through the funeral home.