Laverne Cloninger Killingsworth

Laverne’s life began in Houston, Texas at Herman hospital on March 14, 1939. She is the youngest of thirteen children born to Gustav “Gus” Adolph Edward Mitschke and Esther Elizabeth Fritsche. Growing up alongside her brothers and sisters, Laverne Gladys Mitschke’s earned the nickname “Baby”. Some of her favorite childhood memories are the times she spent with her sisters. Living in West Texas in a big house on the farm with two kitchens, where she would climb on her daddy’s lap and wait for breakfast.

Having a family with thirteen children in 1939, they did not have much, so they handmade their clothes and learned to make baby clothes for their corn cob dolls.

At the age of 17, she met a young man named Larry Wayne Cloninger at the movie theater. After a few months, they fell in love and married on November 23,1956. They raised three boys. She loved being a mom to Ricky, Larry, and Gary. She celebrated life with her children, encouraging them to treat others with kindness. She showed them how to love and give compassion to others.

In 1983, they built a home in Cold Springs, Texas, where she enjoyed her retirement. Some of her hobbies were quilting, beading, crafting, ceramics and faithfully watched Days of Our Lives.

Sadly, Wayne passed away on January 31, 1990. They were married 33 years.

After leaving Cold Springs, she moved to Columbus, Texas. There she spent time with family. Several years later, she met Michael Killingsworth of Patton Village, Texas and they were married. They traveled and relished their time together in their home in Splendora, Texas until Mike’s passing in 2013.

Laverne experienced life to the fullest! She moved back to Columbus, Texas in her later years. Pryor to her failing health, she enjoyed getting her hair done on Thursdays and going to Zion Lutheran Church on Sundays in Schulenberg, Texas. She delighted in celebrating Christmas and going to the candle light service. Jesus was the light of her life. Daily, she watched games shows and made time to put puzzles together. Shopping was a highlight to her weeks, especially the trips to the goodwill. She really looked forward to phone calls from her family and made time for visitors. She wanted to spend as much time with family as possible. The last few months she inspired her son Larry and her grandchildren daily to have a positive outlook and a joyful anticipation of Heaven, because that was where she was ready to go.

On June 14, 2024, Laverne Gladys (Cloninger) Killingworth, 85, passed away peacefully at home with family at her side. She will be remembered as a person of kindness and strength. She has shown us that if we have passion to live, then no matter the difficulties of life, we can overcome.

Family who went before:

Laverne was preceded in death by parents Gustav “Gus” Adolph Edward Mitschke and Esther Elizabeth Fritsche, twelve loving brothers and sisters (Robert, Otto, Max, Tom, Betty, Tony, Lilly, Leon, Ray, Evelyn, Frances, and Shirley), Husband Larry Wayne Cloninger, eldest son Ricky Wayne Cloninger Sr, youngest son Gary Allen Cloninger, Husband Mike Killingworth and Grandson Ricky Wayne Cloninger Jr

Family that will miss her listening ears, her soft hands, and strong hugs:

She is survived by Son Larry Lavon Cloninger Sr and loving wife, Lesia of Columbus, Tx

-Daughter in law Charlotte Cloninger of Conroe, Texas

-5 Grandchildren that call her “Nanny”: Deanna Lee Hamilton (Jeff) of Crosby, Texas, Michelle Louise Cloninger of Baxter Springs, Kansas, Jeffery Allan Cloninger of Dickinson, Texas, Larry Lavon Cloninger Jr of Columbus, Texas and Jesse Lee Cloninger of Columbus, Texas

-15 great grandchildren who have been the highlight of her life: Samantha, Jedediah, Piper, Jessica, Destiny, Brandon, Dillion, Logan, Lucas, Hunter, Jace, Bella, Joshua, Kolt, Kole and several great great grandchildren. Her Legacy will live on! Many nieces and nephews that call her “Aunt Vernie” and wonderful women that have been in her life Kimberly, Emily, Toni, Tara, and Crystal. She was loved by many!