©The Stilwell Democrat Journal
January 8, 2020
Submitted by Jan Grooms

Elsie LaVerne Pack, 81, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, January 1, 2020 at Mercy Hospital in Rogers, Arkansas. She was born on August 22, 1938, and was raised in Des Arc, Arkansas.
 

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 52 years, Watie William Pack, as well as a daughter, Sharon Lynne Womack-Gordon, and a daughter Karen Sue Gibson. She was also preceded in death by her father, Raymond Mince of Houston, Texas, her stepfather who raised her, Edward Van Houten, her mother, Ruby Ellen Dodson-Van Houten, both of Des Arc, Arkansas and a sister, Beverly Sue Van Houten of Des Arc, Arkansas.
 

She is survived by a son, Ricky Wood of Tennessee, a daughter, Barbara Brown and husband Daniel Brown of Humphrey, Arkansas, a daughter, Denise Hill and husband Stephen Hill of Bella Vista, Arkansas and a son Ricky Pack of Fayetteville, Arkansas.

She is also survived by many grandchildren; Wendy Steward, Travis McGrew, Cassidy Webb, Drew Gibson, Aimee Gibson, Scarlett Grant, Alexandria Brown, Amanda Beth (Mandy) Rhodes, Ashley Robbins, Joshua Meltzer, William Hill, Jeremiah Meltzer, Josh (JT) Hill, Creed Hill, Ricky Pack, Watie Pack, Johnny Pack and Jaxson Pack.
 

LaVerne was lovingly remembered by many great-grandchildren; Madilyn Kay Huffaker, Lillian Michelle Huffaker, Brent Gibson, Corbin Gibson, Clint Steward, Carly Steward, Sawyer Robbins, Charlie Robbins, Emberlynn Hill, Sadie Barnes, Noah Barnes, Miah Gabbard, and Caleb Pedro.
 

She is survived by a sibling, James K. (Jimmy) Van Houten of Des Arc, Arkansas, numerous nieces and nephews and a plethora of extended family and friends who loved her greatly.

LaVerne was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved her family dearly and will be greatly missed by all.

She worked as a nurse for several years. Her passion was helping others. She also worked alongside her husband as a poultry farmer until her retirement.

Laverne was a woman of enduring love and compassion for everyone around her. She enjoyed a quiet life in the home she and her husband worked side by side over their lifetime to acquire. She was an avid gardener and loved animals, especially birds. Her favorite flowers were yellow roses and her favorite color was purple.

She enjoyed spending time with her loved ones and going on adventures with her granddaughter Mandy. In recent years, the reunification of her family brought her incredible joy and great hope for her legacy of love, strength, family and above all faith. She was a faithful Christian, devoted servant of the Lord and she never stopped praying for her family.

Graveside services were held on Saturday, January 4, 2020 at the Pilgrim’s Rest Cemetery near Stilwell, Oklahoma under the direction of the Backstrom-Pyeatte Funeral Home of Siloam Springs.

To sign online guestbook please go to www.backstrom-pyeatte.com.