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Lavern (Bennett) Earls
Mar 2, 1948 - Jan 14, 2026
Posted by Jo Aguirre
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Lavern Earls, a devoted educator, loving matriarch, and faithful servant of God, passed away peacefully on January 14, 2026, in Vernon, Texas. She was 77.
Born
in Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii, to Roscoe and Cecilia Ann (Kaniho) Bennett, LaVern's
life began amid the beauty of the islands, where her father served in the U.S.
military. The family later moved to Arkansas, then to Dodson, Texas, before
finally settling in Oklahoma. She graduated from Hollis High School in 1966 and
pursued education with unwavering determination, earning an associate degree
from Western Oklahoma State College, a bachelor's from Cameron University, and a
master's from Southwestern Oklahoma State University. For 25 years, Lavern
dedicated herself to teaching first grade at Roosevelt Elementary in Altus,
Oklahoma. She cherished inspiring young minds and formed lasting bonds with
colleagues, leaving an indelible mark on generations of students. Lavern met the
love of her life, Charles "Chock" Earls, while working at her family's café in
Hollis. They married on June 4, 1966, at Gould Baptist Church. As a farmer's
wife, she embraced rural life with strength and grace, often "burning up the
road" between the farm and her classroom. A gifted homemaker, LaVern was
celebrated for her cooking, earning numerous fair awards for her children and
her self-taught talent as a seamstress, creating beautiful clothing for her
family. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life, expressed through active
involvement in Baptist ministries, Sunday School, and Vacation Bible School.
Lavern never met a stranger. She had a rare gift for making everyone feel seen
and valued, and she was always ready to help a neighbor, support a friend, or
encourage her family. Whether sewing an outfit, preparing a feast, or cheering
at a fair, she did everything with excellence and love.
She is survived by her children: Tracy Buie , Patti Earls, and John Earls and
wife Jennifer; her grandchildren: Sydney Buie; Hunter Earls (Rebecca); Khloe
Camp; Garrett and wife Hannah, Ali, and Lanee Earls; and one
great-granddaughter, Ella Earls. Also surviving are her siblings, Wayne Bennett
(Beverly) and Merle Kromer (Jimmy), along with many nieces, nephews, and
extended family members.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charles "Chock" Earls; her parents; and her brothers, Brad Bennett and Marvin Bennett.
Lavern's life was a testament to faith, generosity, and quiet strength. Her legacy lives on in the family she cherished, the students she inspired, and the countless lives she touched with her kindness and grace.
A come and go visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sunday, January 18, 2026, at Lowell - Tims Funeral Home, Altus, Oklahoma
Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, January 19, 2026 at Lowell - Tims Funeral Home Chapel, Altus, Oklahoma with Pastor Doug Altom officiating.
Lavern
will be laid to rest beside her husband Chock in Gould Cemetery, Gould,
Oklahoma.
Funeral services have been entrusted to Lowell - Tims Funeral Home and Cremator