Onie LaVena Pilcher

Onie LaVena Pilcher, 71, passed away on Monday, March 19, at Nevada Regional Medical Center in Nevada following a sudden illness. LaVena was born Oct. 26, 1946, in Blytheville, Ark., to Robert Leonard and Bernease Elizabeth (Roberson) Moser. She married Gerald Dean Pilcher on Nov. 15, 1963, in Gosnell, Ark., and he survives of the home.

LeVena was born and raised in Blytheville and following her marriage to Dean she came to Vernon County and has continued to live here since that time. LaVena worked for the Fram Corporation for 26 years, was a switchboard operator at Nevada Habilitation Center for four years, and a receptionist at Missouri Probation and Parole in Nevada for 10 years until her retirement in 2016. She was a member of Delta Sigma Pi, Women’s Business Sorority.

LaVena enjoyed many things in life including spending time with her grandchildren, feeding the wild birds, dancing and fishing. She also loved to play bingo, going on cruises and going to the casino.

Survivors in addition to her husband Dean include three children, Evanda Hogan (Ken), Nevada, Talenna Basham, Springfield, Mo., and John G. Pilcher (Ashley), Richards; eight grandchildren, Jeremy Hogan (Marlene), Brandi Basham-Emerson (Jon), Amanda Carter (Luther), and Christa Basham (Taylor), Dakota Klotz, Trenton Klotz, Corey Klotz and Tanner Klotz; three great-grandchildren, Hanna, Carter and Maleah; one great-great-grandchild, Kinsley; two sisters, Gloria Nickles (Nick), Conway, Ark., and Marlene Mikel, Booneville, Ark.; three brothers, Russell Bradford, Gosnell, Ark., Herbert Bradford, North Little Rock, Ark., and Bill Bradford, Sherwood, Ark.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

LaVena was preceded in death by her parents; her step-father, James Bradford; two sisters, LaVon Moore and Regina Moser; and two brothers, John Redmond and Jimmy Bradford.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. today at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada. Those who wish may contribute to their charity of choice in care of Ferry Funeral Home.

You may view obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.