Obituary of LaVerne Malham

LaVerne Malham, 78, of Carlinville, passed away Tuesday evening, October 11, 2016 at Carlinville Area Hospital in Carlinville, IL. LaVerne was born on July 14, 1938 to Howard and Florence (Behl) Ruble in Springfield, IL. She graduated from Lanphier High School in 1956 where she enjoyed being a member of the acapella choir. LaVerne married Robert L. "Bob" Malham on May 19, 1957 at the Chatham United Methodist Church and they recently celebrated 59 years of marriage together. LaVerne worked for Bell Telephone Company in Springfield, IL as an operator. She then began traveling with her husband, Bob while he was still in the military. They started their married life in New Mexico and later moved to Ontario Canada. After Bob was discharged from the service, he and LaVerne moved back to Carlinville for one year. They then moved to Springfield, IL until 1980 when they purchased Malham Orchard in Carlinville. She was the co-owner/operator of the orchard until 2010. LaVerne served as Sunday School teacher, school volunteer and Girl Scout Leader. She enjoyed golfing, gardening and was an accomplished artist. LaVerne was a member of the Carlinville United Methodist Church. One of her greatest joys was being able to teach her children the love of reading and faith in Christ. LaVerne is survived by her husband, Robert L. "Bob" Malham of Carlinville; son, Darren R. (Susan) Malham of Auburn, IL; two daughters, Julie (Don) Eades of Downingtown, PA and Becky (Dale) Conrady of Hettick, IL; 5 grandchildren and a brother, Howard T. (Margaret) Ruble of Springfield, IL. LaVerne was preceded in death by her parents and 3 sisters. Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 16, 2016 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at Carlinville United Methodist Church. Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 17, 2016 at 10:00 am at the church with Rev. Rex Hendrix officiating. Burial will follow in Girard Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Carlinville Area Hospital or Celtic Hospice.