Beverly LaValle Stockman, nee Travaille
February 23, 1932 - July 7, 2016
Obituary
Born February 23, 1932, in Walla Walla, WA – died July 7, 2016, in Federal Way, WA
Mom finally hit the Triple 7 – passing away on 7/7 at 7 pm – of natural causes. Survived by children, Janice Schiemer (Joe), Jeffrey (Amy), James (Kristie), and Joyce; Sister Marjorie Aukerman (John); Brother Leonard Travaille (Carol); 9 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by husband John, infant Walter, and many others. Per Mom’s wishes, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Joseph Hospital; Franciscan Foundation, P.O. Box 1502, Tacoma, WA 98041; or South King Fire & Rescue Aid Fund, 31617 1st Ave. So., Federal Way, WA 98003.
Service to be held on July 29 at 2:00 pm at Southminster Presbyterian Church, 19834 8th Ave. So., Des Moines, WA 98148, reception to follow. Mom hoped for all to don your favorite Hawaiian or casual attire.
Bev grew up on a dairy farm in Prosser, WA, with her parents, Walter and Ellen Travaille, siblings Marjorie, Leonard, Ruby (deceased) and Bob (deceased). Mom graduated from Prosser High School in 1950, going on to Whitworth College, then marrying John Stockman in 1951. Her interests were many in these formative years, including playing the flute and piccolo.
John and Bev moved around the state while John was working for his father in the family produce company and John’s stint in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. They moved to Des Moines, WA, where they started out in a little mobile home trailer, then purchasing their house in 1959. Starting out her career as a Des Moines Municipal Court Clerk, she eventually became Court Administrator for the City of Des Moines; retiring in 1993.
As our dad had been with the Des Moines Fire Department, Station 26, for many many years, Mom was involved in The Flares, which was the wives’ group. She began volunteering for the Red Cross as a result, and one aspect was helping to find temporary shelter for those misplaced due to fires in their homes. Mom was very active in the Waterland Community of Des Moines. She was also very active in the Miss Des Moines contests in the 1970s, as well as even becoming a Waterland Clown.
Delta Rho, a philanthropic sorority, became very meaningful to her, an organization that raised funds for St. Jude, as well as MS. She was very involved in all aspects, climbing the ranks and becoming president, as well as Woman of the Year.
Mom’s second home was Hawaii, she absolutely loved Kona, HI. It was only fitting that one of her daughters-in-law was Hawaiian, gave her all the more excuse to go visit family! In the last ten to fifteen years she couldn’t come home without sporting a new tattoo.
Other passions of Mom’s were her fingernails (while in the hospital, she directed us to not let them touch her nails!) and knitting. She knit an afghan blanket for each of her grandchildren’s families when they had their first babies – she completed seven of them. She was asking about nursery colors for the newest great-grandchild that will arrive in November, time ran out on her. This family will get a very special blanket, one that she made for our dad to keep him warm while on dialysis (blue one in picture). She said that it is going full circle, then, and that made her smile.
She bought a motor home and had many adventures all over the country; eventually marrying Craig, and had some fun years until that ended in 2014.
Joyce’s motto has always been: If my mom can do it, I can do it.
The family would like to thank the excellent and compassionate healthcare teams in the St. Francis ER and hospital wings, as well as the Garden Terrace, in Federal Way, WA.
Miss you, Mom. You are on your grandest adventure now.
You will be missed by family and friends. You had a great life! Be wishes to her family? Bless all of you!
Bev you were a delightful lady – loved & missed by family & friends – bless you always
We are sorry for your loss. Love you guys. If we can help in any way, please let us know. Tracy and Ronda Dillard and kids Diana, Gavin and Mackenzie.
My # is 253 380 4754
Will miss you Bev! Enjoyed many good times at fire dept events and our favorite watering holes. You always remembered people at memorials and retirement gatherings plus more.Your the BEST. our thoughts are with your family now. John will be glad to see you.
We met recently as we joined the Stockman “ohana” through Carley. Your accomplishment during your life-time is very impressive! A thoughtful planner and organizer, you lived a happy, fun-filled, adventurous life. You’ll be missed by all who knew you! Mahalo and Aloha!
Bev was always there, (as was John), during my growing up years with KCFPD #26. The Des Moines Volunteer Fire Department was second to none, and we proved that year after year during Fire Department play days. We won hose evolution competitions, make and break, and generally had an amazing group of people and volunteers (The FLARES). My mother (Lorene) was side by side with Mataftins, Stockmans, Braach’s, Levicks, Butlers,and many others, helping to make our community something very special.
I had the pleasure of getting a hug from Bev about 6 months ago (she remembered me from 45 years ago), at a favorite seafood restaurant we used to frequent.
A special soul has gone on to a higher calling, and will be greatly missed.
Rest in Peace, Dear Beverly…Tell John, I said Hi!
Hey Bev, tell Barb i still miss her.
It was always fun getting together with John and Bev at the District 26 activities and Christmas parties. Bev was always one of the first to step in and help put the affairs together and make them a great success. Great memories of all the good times we had together. Kevin was very fond of you and was very sorry to hear of your passing.
Rest in peace dear lady. You are loved
So sorry to hear of Bev’s passing, as I have many fond memories growing up around John and Bev. I will never forget the times we spent at the cabin, riding snow mobiles, or the battleship games up on the loft. There was never a more kind or caring couple . Give John a big hug for us
Dearest family members. I have visited your mom many times when she was at Wesley Care Center and we had good laughs about the ‘old days’ when we were both active in Waterland. I dug out my old Waterland album and found two photos to send you. I don’t know how to scan with this new printer but I made copies to mail to you.
Please email me with your address which I don’t have and want to send them to Janice as one photo is hers. Eventually I’ll donate my Waterland album to the Des Moines Historical Society. Smiles, Carol Lee Davis