LaVaun Bessie Haffner

LaVaun Bessie Haffner February 26, 1928 ~ May 4, 2021 LaVaun was born on a farm in Leaton, Michigan to John and Rachel Little, their last-born child. Being the baby of this big family, she was spoiled and loved by all. The family moved to Oil City, Michigan when she was a small child. The family was very close knit, in spite of the 20-year span of ages. The siblings got together as much as possible throughout the years having great feasts, playing cards, dancing to country music, camping, sharing holidays, weddings, and funerals, always with lots of talking and laughing. Her love of family was her crowning glory. The family was always proud of their Native American ancestors. Her great-great-grandmother Ikwa-Wa-Ni-Gen-Its, the princess daughter of Chief Na-Ges-Sis of the Chippewa, Black Swan Band who married French fur trapper, Lewis Masseau of Michigan. That side of the family, the Masseau (Mashue, Americanized spelling) have held annual family reunions the first weekend of August for decades. During LaVaun's childhood, she attended Greendale Township School from 1st to 8th grade. She always loved school and learning. The teacher lived with her family, so she often helped correct papers in the evenings with her. They lived on the banks of the Chippewa River with no electricity or indoor plumbing. She said they had a happy life with plenty to eat and a warm house. They had a car because her dad needed it for his work. She often went with him on his route tending wells. Her older brothers and sisters often had her come to their homes where they doted on her, taking her to the movies on Saturday nights. During World War II her brother and several young men went off to war, including her husband to be. After graduating in 1946 from Shepherd High School in Michigan she married Francis Duane Scribner January 17, 1947. Shortly after the marriage, they moved to Oregon to help build the Detroit Dam. In 1948 they moved to Tillamook Oregon where their first child Doug was born. During this time, Duane was called back into service and left his bride and young son to go fight in the Korean War. He returned safely and their life got back on track. Tragically when she was 8 months pregnant with their second child, Colleen, her husband passed away in 1956. LaVaun was a strong woman and with support from her loving family dealt with her grief and joy of having a baby. Her Ma, Rachel Little, lived with her in Tillamook and they worked together to parent Doug and Colleen. In 1957, LaVaun met Floyd Haffner at the Tillamook County Fair dance. He quickly fell in love with this beautiful young widow and married her November 2, 1957 after a short engagement. He was welcomed into the big family with open arms. In 1959, Floyd bought a share at Fort Vancouver Plywood, so they packed up the kids and Ma and moved to Vancouver, WA. Floyd and LaVaun were inseparable to the very end. LaVaun and Floyd were very social and made lots of friends in Vancouver over the years. They loved going out on Saturday nights to dance with friends. LaVaun joined a pinochle group with Joyce Holland and six other ladies in 1959 and played until 2019 - 60 years! She enjoyed playing BUNCO with girlfriends as well. They loved traveling to Idaho, North Dakota, and Michigan by car across the country every couple years, visiting family, going to class reunions, and just sightseeing. They made frequent trips with friends to Reno, the Pendleton Roundup, and other events. They loved the two cruises that they were able to take. Once they took a Greyhound bus trip around the entire United States, getting off and on at places like Nashville, TN, and New Orleans. LaVaun was a caregiver to others. Her Ma lived with her for over twenty years lovingly taking care of her in her old age. Her home was always open to all the neighbor kids, friends, and family. She could whip up a big meal with the greatest of ease for anyone no matter how many came. Her sister-in-law, Mary Riley came to live with them after her high school graduation and mom helped her get enrolled in college, helped her find employment and transportation. A nephew, John, and his new wife, briefly lived with them. Another nephew Johnny also lived with them off and on for a couple years. She cared for her neighbors and friends and stayed in touch with relatives afar. LaVaun was a homemaker extraordinaire! She supported Floyd in his many work hours by keeping everything going on the homefront. Her house was immaculately clean and organized. The finances were shared, and she kept the bills paid, saved for a rainy day, and never spent extravagantly. She had a flare for decorating and flower arranging. Every morning she made a warm breakfast for Floyd and the kids and packed great lunches. Every evening she cooked a wonderful meal. There was always a cake, pie or dessert of some kind. Her love of flowers was obvious by the beautiful flower beds and dahlias she raised. There were always bouquets in the home. She was an organic gardener (before we even knew it was a thing), growing bushels of tomatoes, green beans, corn, cucumbers, and anything else that struck her fancy. She canned and froze enough to sustain the family throughout the year. In her spare time, she did lots of sewing for herself and her daughter. She was a Brownie and Girl Scout leader, taking the girls to their cabin in Cougar, Washington to learn skills. She was very artistic and took oil painting classes. She enjoyed doing different crafts including candle making. She loved decorating her house for the various holidays. A love of antique furniture led her to refinishing old relics into beautiful heirloom pieces. She was very knowledgeable about a lot of things. The family always said if she were born in a different era, she would be president of a company. She did not want status or fame, she loved being a homemaker and wife. During the 1970's she had to endure her son going to fight in the Vietnam War. She watched the news every night to see what was happening and hoping her beloved Doug was safe. The family celebrated his safe return. She was overcome with joy. During the 1980's LaVaun helped a lot with the grandchildren by babysitting while Colleen worked, or just because she wanted to spend time with the grandkids. Once they were in school, she took a part-time job as a driver for Dee Amundsen, taking her to see blind and visually impaired students at schools around Southwest Washington. She enjoyed the excursions and earning her own pocket money. They saw a lot of the rural areas and found great lunch places along the way. In 1991, she and Floyd moved to their lovely home on the Lewis River in Woodland, Washington. At first, she was lonely there, but soon enough she got acquainted with the neighbors. She and Floyd created a parklike setting amongst the Douglas Firs, planting flowers and plants, of course always perfectly maintained! They held big family reunions, holidays and many, many card games. They had a standing card game every other Saturday afternoon with good friends Vic and Delores Molander. They sold their home in 2016 and moved to Vancouver. Her biggest love was her husband, Floyd, who took care of her to the very end. Of course, her heart was so big that all her loves could fit in - her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, her big extended family, and friends. She peacefully passed on May 4, 2021 after a long bout with Alzheimer's Disease. LaVaun is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Floyd Haffner, son Doug (Sher) Scribner, daughter Colleen (Greg) Lines, grandchildren Rachel (Dale) Kentner, Carla (Allen) Stevens, Russell (Nicole) Heiden, and seven great-grandchildren, Hannah Thompson, Ty Ailshie, Lacey (Jason) Bishop, Jonny Thompson, Ysabel Perez, Tori and Rex Heiden. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and their children. LaVaun was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Fain (Reta) Little, Glenelen (Preston) Denton, Myra (Elton) Adamson, Forn (Edith) Little, Pauline Little, Ethelyn ( Maurice) Donaldson, Ben (Dorothy) Little. Family and Friends are invited to join the family at the home of Greg and Colleen Lines after services. 6903 SE Riverside Dr. #16 Vancouver, WA 98664

LaVaun Bessie Haffner

February 26, 1928 - May 4, 2021