Mildred LaVerne Mayfield, 99 years old, of Nemaha, Nebraska, died peacefully on Saturday, Aug. 1st, 2015 in Cedar Falls, Iowa. She was just 2 weeks away from celebrating her 100th birthday with family and friends.

LaVerne was born to John Shafer and Vere Hoover Shafer on the family farm near Nemaha, Nebraska, on August 16th, 1915. She spent her youth on the farm attending McCandless rural elementary school and graduated from Shubert High School in 1932. Upon graduation from Peru State College she taught high school math and home economics at Elk Horn and Brock, Nebraska and later became County Home Extension Agent living at Weeping Water. She also attended the University of Nebraska for graduate studies.

On November 24, 1946, she married Bob C. Mayfield. They devoted their lives to raising their 5 sons on the family farm. When the family grew to include daughters-in-law, 18 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren they continued the same love, faith and support that was the hallmark of their lives. The much anticipated family gatherings were always the highlight of their year.

Bob and LaVerne spent the first 7 years of their married life farming in the Louisville area until they relocated, in 1953, to the Shafer family farm she grew up on. LaVerne loved the Nemaha Christian Church where she was baptized and was a lifelong member and where she devoted many years to teaching and leading the youth group. She also gave of herself throughout her life to the support of 4-H clubs and community organizations and activities. Bob and LaVerne dedicated their lives to their church, their family and their community.

LaVerne and Bob spent winters in their retirement years in Harlingen, Texas, where they enjoyed square dancing, cards, golf and many other activities. She loved socializing with friends.

LaVerne was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 55 years and her sister, Elaine Holdorf.

Survivors include five sons and daughters-in-law; John and Sheila of Auburn, Bob and Carol of Cedar Falls, IA, Steve and Peggy of Syracuse, Ronald and Pamela of Vonore, TN, Vern and Pamela of Highland Village, TX, sister Merilyn Keithley of Falls City, 18 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.

A funeral service will be Friday, August 7, 10:00 a.m. at the Nemaha Christian Church. Burial will follow in the Nemaha Cemetery. Visitation will be at the funeral home Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with family greeting friends 6:00 to 8:00.

Memorials are suggested to family choice.

Services are entrusted to Hemmingsen Funeral Home of Auburn.