By Jim Meridith
Posted: Updated:
19 Comments
  • Visitation

    Friday, January 28, 2022
    3:00 to 8:00pm
    Kassly-Meridith Funeral Home, Collinsville, IL.

     

  • Service

    Saturday, January 29, 2022
    11:00am
    Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Collinsville, IL.

    There will be no graveside service.

    Kassly-Meridith Funeral Home, Collinsville, IL.

  • Full Obituary

    LaVern A. Oatman, age 69, was born on February 12, 1952, in Granite City, IL.  She entered into eternal rest on Sunday, January 23rd at Barnes Hospital, St. Louis, MO, after a long and tenacious battle with pancreatic cancer.

    LaVern was a graduate of Collinsville High School and Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, where she received a Bachelors and Masters degree.  She was a beloved educator in the Collinsville School District for more than 20 years.  Her students were her life, and teaching was her passion.  She loved teaching so much that she continued to substitute teach for many years after her retirement, where she continued to touch her student's lives.  Another passion of hers was singing, and she performed many places including for the Italian Fest and Horseradish Fest in Collinsville.  She especially loved to sing like Patsy Cline.  She loved volunteering her time whether it was leading music for VBS, working various food drives, or singing for different charitable organizations.  She served with her whole heart.  Her family was everything, and she enjoyed spending time with her treasured grandkids whom she loved to spoil.

    She is preceded in death by her parents, Wanda and Ralph Lassen; brother, Delmar Lassen; nephew, James Althardt and niece, Debbie Lassen.

    She is survived by her children, Christopher Oatman, Melissa Oatman, Mary (David) Lowe; grandchildren, Christopher Moore, Allison Moore, David Lowe, III and Virginia (Ginna) Lowe; ex-husband and lifelong friend, Michael Oatman; brother, Ralph (Helen) Lassen, Pat (Albert) Althardt, Susie (Richard) Althardt and Connie Fischer.  She is also survived by several nieces and nephews; great nieces and nephews; also surviving are many dear friends who were like family.

    We would like to say a special thank you to all of her family and friends who supported her as she fought so bravely in this tough battle.  A special thanks to: Lori Billy, Michele Stutts, Donna Hanson, Sandy Snyder, Tori Perez and Connie Fischer.

    Visitation will be held on Friday, January 28th from 3:00-8:00pm at Kassly-Meridith Funeral Home in Collinsville, IL.

    The Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, January 29th at 11:00am at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Collinsville, IL.

    There will be no graveside service.

    Donations can be made to the family.

    Kassly-Meridith Funeral Home, Collinsville, IL.

Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

19 Condolences
 
  1. Deborah Russell Noonan / January 25, 2022 at 4:57 pm

    Im so very sorry for your loss. LaVern was my friend and co/worker at Unit 10, she will be greatly missed by all. She was a loving and positive influence on all her students. My prayers are with you all.

  2. Pam stone / January 25, 2022 at 5:10 pm

    She was such a special person and will be truly missed by many that knew her your gma and mother were two of the most kind hearted people I’ve know

  3. Amanda Szakacsi / January 25, 2022 at 7:45 pm

    Ms. Oatman was a phenomenal woman. I will always remember her beautiful singing at Kreitner assemblies and Italian Fest. She cared so much about her students and did so much for every one at Kreitner. My heart goes out to her family and friends, especially Miss Billy.

    Rest In Peace ❤️

  4. Mary Ann Sporcic / January 25, 2022 at 7:46 pm

    I am honored to have been a friend of LaVern, as I got to know her through Lori Billy. She had a quick smile, and tons of enthusiasm! A very special person, and I’m sure she’s already singing in the heavenly choir with her beautiful voice.

    Memory Eternal! ❤️☦️

  5. Connie R Eskew / January 25, 2022 at 7:47 pm

    Cousin LaVern will be truly missed. I can remember as a child always wanting to grow up and be like her. Just to be able to sing like Lavern did. Praying for all of you.

  6. Joy Hunter / January 25, 2022 at 7:48 pm

    Condolences & God’s Blessings to LaVern’s family. May she rest in peace.

  7. Lizzy / January 25, 2022 at 7:53 pm

    Best fifth grade teacher I could have ever asked for with an amazing voice and heart that went along with it!! I always loved it when her and Lori Billy would be in the classroom singing together. Some of my best childhood memories are with them. I know heaven has added her to their choir! If you had the privilege to meet her, she left a spot in your heart! You all are in my prayers💜

  8. Micki Salvage / January 26, 2022 at 5:44 am

    Lavern really knew how to get the most out of life. Her energy was contagious. The joy on her face when children or a live band were present is the way I will choose to remember her. What a strong and courageous woman. I am so very happy to have gotten the opportunity to cross her path. Lavern was a gift. I am positive that anyone who had the pleasure of knowing her definitely feels blessed. I pray that she’s singing and dancing up there. “Own the room Lavern!”

  9. Lonnie Pope / January 26, 2022 at 8:48 am

    Best 5th grade teacher and friend to my boys and family! We had the pleasure of spending so much time w Mrs. Oatman and her family! Praying for all of u! Love u!

  10. Sandy Anderson / January 26, 2022 at 9:49 am

    My thoughts and prayers are with all the family and my sympathy. I know she’ll be missed by all. I’m

  11. Jeannette Breihan / January 26, 2022 at 11:07 am

    She fought the good fight & is now singing with the angels. She will be very missed by everyone in Unit 10 & whose life she touched. Condolences to the family.

  12. Jana / January 27, 2022 at 12:22 pm

    Thinking of your family during this very difficult time! Laverne was a staple on Thursdays at CMS for years when she did my IEP meeting subbing, and she was such a help and an asset! It was always such a pleasure to see her on a weekly basis, and to be motivated by her cheerful, positive, and charming self! She is greatly missed!!!

  13. Sara (Dykes) Broser / January 27, 2022 at 9:29 pm

    Ms. LaVern was the first person I ever heard sing Elvira. I have loved the song ever since – and it was because of her passion when she sang. I’ll always remember the very special days when Ms. Oatman came into my 3rd grade classroom to sing for us. She was always smiling and so friendly. Later, after school on occasion, I’d have the pleasure of hearing her sing at the Italian Fest, and even a couple times by surprise at karaoke- always a Patsy Cline song that would rock the house.

    To the family, Ms. Billy, Coach Stutts and Coach Hanson, May the good memories of special times you had with Ms. Oatman bring you peace and a smile to your face during this difficult time. May she rest in the arms of the Lord eternally.

  14. gerald cohn / January 28, 2022 at 5:15 pm

    Marsha,Stella and I will miss LaVern when summer comes and we return to the patios on Main ST. We always enjoyed her intellect and sense of humor. It won’t be quite the same without her.

  15. Margaret / January 28, 2022 at 9:19 pm

    LaVern I am so proud to have had the honor to meet you. To her family and friends I send my Love and Prayers.

  16. Brenda McNeill / January 28, 2022 at 9:49 pm

    To LaVern’s family I only seen your mom a few times at Sandy’s but she was a wonderful woman so brave fighting a battle with cancer. She is pain free now and singing in God’s Angel choir with that beautiful voice. May you all find peace in knowing how much she loved her family.. She will be missed may God bless you all through this trying time.

  17. Lynne (Cuff) Kerfoot / January 29, 2022 at 9:01 am

    So many memories of when we went to school together. She was so kind & never seemed to have a negative thought about anyone. She will be greatly missed. Thoughts & prayers with the family.

  18. Shirley Killion / January 31, 2022 at 1:16 pm

    Laverne was a special lady and will truly be missed. She was so proud of her family. You can cherish all the wonderful memories. Keeping you all in prayer.. Praying for the Lord to give you peace and comfort during this difficult time. She touched many lives.

    With Deepest Sympathy,

    Shirley Killion

  19. Shirley Killion / January 31, 2022 at 1:16 pm

    Laverne was a special lady and will truly be missed. She was so proud of her family. You can cherish all the wonderful memories. Praying for the Lord to give you peace and comfort during this difficult time. She touched many lives.

    With Deepest Sympathy,

    Shirley Killion

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