• Date Of Birth: February 16, 1922
  • Date Of Death: November 19, 2015
  • State: Arizona

Lavina “Vi” Blenden, 93 of Cedar Vale, Kansas, passed away November 19, 2015 at her daughters home in Flagstaff, AZ. She was born February 16, 1922 in Wauneta, KS to Lewis and Naomi Cooper Howard.

Lavina was married to the love of her life, Leslie “Les” Blenden. Lavina and Les moved, in 1952 from Cedar Vale to Tucson AZ. for the sake of their youngest daughter who suffered from asthma. Moving to a new city with four young daughters was a challenge, but Lavina with her usual grace set up a loving home for her family.

Lavina entered the workforce in Tucson; she worked as a switchboard operator for Intermountain Aviation in Marana, AZ, and later the law firm Miller and Pitt in Tucson. After retiring Lavina and Les returned to Cedar Vale, KS. Lavina did not sit idle, she and Les raised cattle; Lavina, the avid animal lover that she was, named each and every cow and calf in their herd. Most were named after family and friends, you felt honored if Lavina bestowed your name to one of her calves.

Aside from raising cattle Lavina went to school and became an EMT; she became Mayor of Cedar Vale serving from 1989-1993, and finally she rounded out her career as a representative for the Silver Haired Legislature.

Lavina’s friends and family looked forward to receiving her handwritten letters; she was a fantastic storyteller, with her wry wit she would send you into bellyaching laughter. Aside from writing letters she was also an avid fan of John Wayne (every movie seen no less than a dozen times), horses, collies and Bob Wills. She had a passion for Country Swing as well as Western and Native American cultures. Everything Lavina did was with great enthusiasm and dignity.

Lavina was predeceased by her loving husband, Leslie Howard Blenden and her eldest daughter Nancy Ann Kodlick. She leaves her loving memories to be cherished by her daughters, Jane Schmidt of Tucson, AZ, Naomi Blenden of Long Beach, CA, and Evelyn Shepherd of Flagstaff, AZ. Also her eight grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and one great great grandson, nephews and nieces as well as a host of cherished friends.

Lavina’s philosophy was to approach life with a sense of humor, she was a role model of integrity, kindness, and grace for all who survive her. A celebration of Life honoring Lavina is planned for the spring in Cedar Vale KS; date to follow.

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