LaVerne Irene Backs, 97, of Centralia, passed away Sunday, April 13, 2025, at Centralia Manor. She was born on November 28, 1927, the daughter of William and Louise (Daum) Knollman in Centralia. She married Marvin Backs on May 17, 1947, and he preceded her in death on November 13, 1983.
Survivors include her children, Karilyn (Johnathan) Stull of Centralia, Marilyn (Richard) Stull of Florida; daughter-in-law, Tere Backs of Centralia; grandchildren, Lori (Wes) Hatchell, Bobbie (Steve) Koppen, Traci (Eric) Kapp, Bill (Crissy) Slagley, Keith (Monica) Backs, Christy (Richard) Cummins, Jenny (Joe) O’Neill, Amy (Jesse) Nichols, Kevin Backs; many great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, extende4d family members and friends.
Along with her husband, Marvin Backs, LaVerne was preceded in death by her father, William Knollman; mother, Louise Brandhorst and husband Eugene; daughter, Suzanne Slagley; sons, Lonnie Backs, and Gary Backs; and sister, Bonnie Lewis.
LaVerne was a lady of faith and a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Centralia, where she was active in the Friendship Guild Ladies Aid and LWML. She was an amazing cook, preparing wonderful meals for the students at Trinity Lutheran School. She was also a kitchen technician cooking for KC Workshop in Centralia. LaVerne had a creative side and was a master at quilting, crafts, and crocheting. She loved to sew her own clothes and making clothes for her children. LaVerne’s home was always filled with family, with LaVerne hosting for holidays and serving delicious meals to the delight of everyone. She was the most supportive and loving grandma and great-grandma who was so very proud of all her grandkids. LaVerne will be remembered for her generous, servant’s heart, love for her family, and kindness to all.
A celebration of life service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, April 21, 2025, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Centralia. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park. Relatives and friends are welcome to a visitation time from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. Memorials may be made in LaVerne’s honor to Centralia Trinity Lutheran Church or Kaskaskia Workshop. Online condolences and memories of LaVerne may be shared with her family by visiting maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.
