Laverne Norton, Wife Of La-Z-Boy Chairman, Dies

Furniture World Magazine

LaVerne Blocker Norton, 76, wife of La-Z-Boy Incorporated Chairman Patrick H. Norton, died today at Mercy Memorial Hospital in Monroe, Mich. A resident of Monroe, she was born on June 11, 1923 in St. Louis. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Monroe and volunteered at the Monroe Thrift Shop, Monroe Meals on Wheels and Newcomers of Monroe. Norton also was past president of the American Legion Auxiliary Post #103 in Maplewood, Mo. She is survived by her husband of 56 years; their two children, Kevin P. (Catherine) of Fairfield, Ohio, and Susan N. (Peter) Brosnan of Trumbull, Conn.; and three grandchildren, Patrick A. Norton, Patricia Leigh Norton and Sean Michael Brosnan. She was preceded in death by her parents, Andrew G. Blocker and Irene Reed Blocker; a sister, Mildred Bullerdick (1972); and a son, Krell B. Norton (1990). In Monroe, visitation will take place Saturday, March 18 from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Rupp Funeral Home, 2345 S. Custer Rd. She will lie in state on Sunday, March 19 at the First Presbyterian Church, 108 Washington St., from 1 to 2 p.m. with a memorial service following at 2 p.m. In St. Louis, visitation will be held at Kriegshauser (West Mortuary), 9450 Olive Blvd., on Monday, March 20 from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. She will be laid to rest at noon on Tuesday, March 21 at Mason City Cemetery in Mason City, Ill. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Mercy Memorial Rehabilitation Fund, P.O. Box 67, Monroe, Mich., 48161.