Lavona Joyce (Witzke) Gaylord was born on February 28, 1932 in Bessie, OK (near Clinton) to Leonard and Miriam Witzke.  She passed from this life into the next on November 13, 2020 in Seiling, OK at the age of 88 years, 8 months, and 16 days.

Lavona and the family lived in Bessie until she was nine when they moved to Turpin, OK where she graduated high school.  She then attended Goodwell University, Panhandle University, and Southwestern Oklahoma State University, eventually earning her Master's degree in Education.

Lavona was married to the love of her life Clyde Ray Gaylord on June 14, 1952, and to this union three children were born: Bridget, Chauncey, and Ken.  The family lived in Guymon, Ulysses, and Lyons, KS while Lavona worked as a teacher, usually for elementary classes.  She enjoyed reading, sewing, and boating.  Lavona was a member of several educator's groups including the OEA, NEA, SEA, and DCOEA.  Lavona was also a member of the United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women's Group.

In addition to her parents, Lavona is preceded in death by her husband Clyde Gaylord; brother Bennie Witzke, sister Norma Jarrett; brother in law Jerry Jarrett; and sister in law Kay Witzke.

She is survived by her 3 children: Bridget Fosdick, Chauncey Gaylord, and Ken Gaylord; five grandchildren, five great grandchildren; two brothers, Don Witzke of Liberal, KS, and Leo Witzke and wife Pat of Purcell, OK; and one sister-in-law, Katherine Barcus of Wichita, KS; nieces, nephews, and a host of loved ones and friends.

Funeral services are to be conducted on Tuesday, November 17, 2020 at 2:00 PM at the First United Methodist Church of Seiling. Burial will follow at Brumfield Cemetery.

Memorial Donations in Lavona's honor may be made to the Seiling-Chester Senior Citizens Center or the First United Methodist Church of Seiling in care of Redinger Funeral Home (Box 236, Seiling, OK 73663)