Laverda Mae Folk

Laverda Mae Folk of Coffeyville was a living testimony of, “They will know we are Christians by our Love.” Surrounded by her family and holding hands with her husband Melvin of 68 years, she departed this life into the presence of her Lord and Savior on Monday, December 30th, 2024 at the age of 87. 

Laverda was born as an only child on October 19, 1937 in Independence, Kansas to Orval Benton and Marian Viola (Whitson) McGuire. Laverda grew up in Coffeyville where she attended school and graduated from Field Kindley Memorial High School in 1955. After her mother’s remarriage to Vern Brown, Laverda gained her first sibling, her stepbrother Terry. 

On August 19, 1956, Laverda and Melvin LeRoy Folk made history as the first couple to wed in the Presbyterian Church Chapel in Coffeyville. Their honeymoon included a small reception at her parents' home and attending a rodeo–a tradition that continued annually as they celebrated their anniversary at Coffeyville Fair and Rodeo. They started their journey together living in the upstairs of her parents’ home, later purchasing a home in Dearing where they lovingly raised their daughters, Kim, Kelly and Kathy. In 1998, she and Melvin moved to their dream home in rural Coffeyville where they retired and still reside raising cattle. 

Laverda’s life was centered on faith, family, and service. A devoted wife, mother, and homemaker, she also became an integral part of her husband’s business, Ashcraft Tire Company, initially as a part-time bookkeeper—a role that grew into years of dedication. In addition to those duties, she was active in all of the girls’ activities and served as Secretary of Dearing PTA, Brownie leader and assisted with Girl Scouts before coming back to her first love of 4-H leader. For over 62 years, she and Melvin have attended Dearing Christian Church. For over 40 years her ministry included teaching Sunday School, coordinating meals for grieving families, and offering countless acts of service. Laverda was also a member of the FCE Lucky 13, Caney Valley Antique Power Association. 

Among her favorite pastimes were cooking, crafting, and offering heartfelt hugs. Laverda was a talented seamstress, known for making clothes and wedding dresses for her daughters. She also showcased her baking talents through intricate wedding, anniversary, and birthday cakes. Her enthusiasm extended to attending her grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s school and sporting events, where she provided unwavering support and encouragement. 1 Corinthians 13:13 says, “So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love”. Laverda showed love to everyone she met in life, it was important to her to encourage others in fellowship, community and was intentional in cultivating friendships. She was always a light sharing Christ with all she met even if they didn’t know she was planting seeds. She truly had a servant’s heart offering love as it is the greatest commandment from God. 

Laverda leaves behind a legacy of love and faith. She is survived by her husband Melvin; daughters Kelly Folk and Kathy (David) Hershey, grandchildren David (Brooke) Stapleton, Justin (Nicola) Lay, Jacob (Jennifer) Stapleton, Heath (Stacy) Stapleton, Tim (Jefferie) Lay, Michelle (Zach) Baker, Elijah (Glynna) Hershey, Zach (Alyssa) Hershey, Quinton (Bailey) Hershey, Bradly (Caitlin) Hershey and twenty-four great grandchildren with two more on the way, brother-in-law Richard Folk, sister-in-law Judy Folk and sister-in-law Shirley (Harry) Swalley, numerous nieces, nephews, and dear friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, daughter Kim Lay (2018), stepbrother Terry (June) Brown, and precious grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 10 AM at Dearing Christian Church, located at 302 Independence Ave., Dearing, Kansas, with Pastor Jamie Regis officiating. Burial will follow at Robbins Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel, located at 2405 Woodland Ave., Coffeyville, on Friday, January 3, 2025, from 6-8 PM. In Laverda’s memory, contributions may be made payable to Dearing Christian Church and left in care of the chapel. To view live streaming of the service, share a memory or leave an online condolence visit.