BIOGRAPHY

LaVerne Bunney was born in Carrington, North Dakota, USA, on 15 April 1909, to parents Guy Mosher Batesole (1890–1959) and Rosa Isabelle Laughlin (1889–1968). She had at least three siblings: Evelyn Grace Besselievre (1910–1993), Vesper Elizabeth Shirley (1912–2006), and Ralph Batesole (1916–1935). From a young age, she assisted with household chores and helped care for her siblings. Later, the family relocated to New Rockford, where she graduated from high school and met her future husband, Robert Roy Bunney (1908–1988), who had come to town with the Great Northern Railroad. The couple married at her mother’s house in Minot, North Dakota.

In late 1928, they welcomed their first daughter. Shortly before their son was born in 1929, the Great Depression struck, leading to the collapse of the American economy and its banks. She often said that this challenging period taught her family invaluable lessons about resilience and survival—qualities that stayed with them, and many others of their generation, throughout their lives. During these difficult years, they had another daughter. As the Depression began to ease, many families migrated in search of work. In 1936, her family joined this movement, relocating to Washington State. They initially settled in Seattle for a short time before moving to Everett, where their youngest daughter was born. With their children starting school, she and her husband established a trucking and construction company, primarily working on road projects.

During World War II, their business expanded to include major military airport construction projects. Life during those years was demanding, leaving little time for leisure. However, after the war, they managed to enjoy a few winter vacations, traveling to destinations such as Hawaii, California, Arizona, Nevada, and even taking a cross-country trip to Florida. Due to her husband’s health, the couple retired early. They sold their home and spent 12 years living in California before returning to Everett, where they settled in the Silver Lake area.

At 93, she decided it was time to sell her home and move into a retirement facility.

LaVerne Bunney passed away at Mountlake Terrace Adult Family Home, on 16 September 2019, at the age of 110 years, 154 days.

RECOGNITION

Her age was validated on 17 April 2024.

ATTRIBUTION

* LaVerne Emma Batesole Bunney – Find A Grave

* “‘Pretty amazing’ LaVerne Bunney parties on her 110th birthday” – The Herald, 17 April 2019

* “In her 110 years, LaVerne Bunney ‘had an incredible life’” – The Herald, 22 September 2019

* LaVerne Bunney Obituary – Legacy / The Herald (Everett), 6 October 2019

GALLERY