Laverne (Early) Smootz Sowers

LAVERNE E. SOWERS  CHURCHVILLE, VA… Laverne (Early) Smootz Sowers, 92, widow of Charles W. Sowers, of Churchville, died Tuesday, August 21, 2018 at King’s Daughters’ Community Health and Rehab Center. She was born July 11, 1926 in Weyers Cave, a daughter of the late Ray B. and Thelma (Hawkins) Early. Prior to retirement, she was employed by Mack Vending. Mrs. Sowers was a member of Dayton Dunkard Brethren Church and a past member of Pleasant Valley Church of the Brethren from 1939 until 1966. She was also a member of the XYZ’s Senior Citizen Group at Salem Lutheran Church and the Home Demonstration Club in Weyers Cave and Mt. Crawford for 23 years. Family members include a son and daughter-in-law, Carroll A. and Dianne Smootz of Churchville; four sisters, Gwendolyn Spitzer, Wilma Lee Stuart, Mildred Kauffman, Hope Sayre; three grandchildren; three great grandchildren; 2 great, great grandchildren; and five step-daughters. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Virgil T. Smootz; a daughter, Connie Smootz Hevener; three brothers, Verlyn, Darrell, and Garnet Early; and two sisters, Doris Early and Carolyn Swecker. A funeral service will be conducted at 12 noon on Thursday, August 23, 2018 in the Henry Funeral Home Chapel by Pastor Daniel House.  Burial will follow in Eastlawn Memorial Gardens in Harrisonburg.  Active pallbearers will be her nephews. Honorary pallbearers will be her nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service on Thursday.       Memorials may be made to Weyers Cave Fire Department, P.O. Box 69, Weyers Cave, VA 24486 or Grottoes Rescue Squad, 805 Augusta Avenue, Grottoes, VA 24441.