Obituary

LaVonne, 86, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones after a prolonged hospital stay in Lake Forest, Illinois on May 26, 2025. She was born December 24, 1938 in Omaha, Nebraska to Theora and Neal Rogers of Lyons, Nebraska, always enjoying spending her birthday with family and enjoying a day off work due to the Christmas Eve holiday.

LaVonne graduated from the University of Nebraska with a Bachelor's Degree in Family and Consumer Education and attended Drake University Graduate School.

A lifelong teacher, she taught at Omaha Westside District #6 before moving to lowa where she taught at Garner-Hayfield, Carlisle Community Schools, and then the Des Moines Public Schools with certifications in Math, Science and Home Economics. She also had a Realtor's license and worked for Neil Adamson Realty, as well as being an interior design specialist with National Custom Interiors.

LaVonne was a member of Central Presbyterian Church, Alpha Omicron Pi social sorority, Phi Upsilon scholastic honorary, Junior Garden Club of Lake Forest, Junior Women's Club, League of Attorney Wives, serving as Social Chairman and Historian, 18-Hole Golf Chairman for Wakonda Ladies Golf Club and Willow Creek Ladies Golf Club, Secretary-Treasurer for Grandview Women's Golf League, and Gentle Readers Book Club. She loved her pets, gardening, cooking, sewing, decorating, playing piano, reading, and conservative politics engaging in civil debates on any relevant issues even until the end. It’s only fitting she passed on Memorial Day given her deep love for the country. Affectionately known as “Mimi” by all, she will be remembered for her witty sarcasm and admirable ability to see the positive in any situation. Mimi will be remembered as forever the optimist.

In passing, she leaves her daughter, Kristin Jackson McCain, son-in-law, Ryan W. McCain, grandchildren, Madison, Jackson, and Louise McCain of Lake Forest, IL., brother-in-law, William R. Jackson, step-daughter Jill Jackson-Stiles and step-grandchildren Kate and Connor Stiles, of Westmont, IL., step-daughter Ellen Jackson of Palos Park and her family, sister Nadine Tippery of Lincoln, NE., nieces Michelle Bowen of Lincoln, NE., Lorie Johnson of Hastings, NE., Lisa Parcell of Oakland NE., Lynne Juracek of Omaha, NE., nephews Steven Tippery of Gretna, NE., Lonnie Rogers of Blair NE., and Larry Rogers of Lyons, NE. She also leaves behind her longtime companion, Joe Coco.

LaVonne was preceded in death by her husband, James Anderson Jackson of Des Moines, IA., parents Neal and Theora Rogers and brothers Delwin Rogers of Lyons, NE., and Myron Rogers of Santa Cruz, CA.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Central Presbyterian Church on Saturday, June 28th at 11 am with a luncheon afterwards. Her family will greet friends from 4-6 pm, Friday, June 27th at Iles Dunn’s Chapel. A private burial will take place for the family at Glendale Masonic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the The University of Nebraska Foundation in her name for a memorial scholarship for education students.

Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesFuneralHomes.com.

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