Lavona Douglas

May 18, 2017

James W. Shirley Funeral Home

Obituaries | The Tube City Almanac | May 19, 2017

Lavona B. (Ratzer) Douglas, of White Oak, passed away peacefully Thursday, May 18, 2017, surrounded by her loving family.

Born June 15, 1934 in McKeesport, Lavona was preceded in death by her devoted husband Harold W. "Chick" Douglas, daughter Terri Kevana, and parents John and Viola (Smith) Ratzer.  Mrs. Douglas' final days were spend at Transitions Healthcare in Irwin where her "gift of gab" helped her make great friendships with both the residents and staff.  She was a member of Christ United Methodist Church, North Huntingdon, Ridge Road Women's Club and was actively involved in her community throughout her life.  She volunteered for Meals on Wheels, served as a Girl Scout leader for Troop 161, and served various leadership roles for over 17 years for the Norwin PTA.  For over 20 years, she was the tour director of the North Huntingdon AARP #3221, organizing hundreds of tours.  Mrs. Douglas organized many happy family vacations, most notably a trip to Walt Disney World and a Disney Cruise, where she put her tour director skills into action, so even the mode of  transport was a chartered bus.  Cherished memories of her loving spirit, determination and wit, will comfort those who knew her. 

She is survived by three loving daughters Susan (Dominec) Amatangelo, of Greensburg, Candice Douglas (Bill Townsend) of North Huntingdon and Cathy (John) Pavlovic of White Oak; and eight adoring grandchilden, Heather (Keith) Bugajski, John Jr and Mark (Leah) Pavlovic, Kathryn Townsend (fiance Joe Kashurba) Christina (fiance Kyle Anderson) and David Amatangelo, Christopher and Sherri Kevana.  Lavona is also survived by a brother,  Howard (Ozzie) Ratzer, of Minnesota; sister, Donna (Timothy) Hess, of North Versailes; dear longtime family friend, James Gaudy; nieces and nephews; and many friends whose lives she touched. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St Jude Children's Hospital or Heart In Hand c/o Christ United Methodist Church, where Lavona and Chick were active volunteers for the Appalachian Service Project run by their church.  Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon on Sunday from 2-8 p.m.  A service will by held at Christ United Methodist Church,  Mckeesport, 11 a.m on Monday.  PLEASE GO DIRECTLY TO THE CHURCH the day of the funeral service.  Interment will be private.  www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.

Originally published May 19, 2017.

Other deaths:
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