LaVonne Ruby Castleman, 94, of Happy Valley, California, passed away at home on July 6, 2026.  Her family and her Chihuahua, Gidget, were at her side. 

LaVonne was born on January 20, 1932, in Alexandria, South Dakota, to Vera Taylor and Dennis Wood.  She attended school in Chamberlain, South Dakota, and later moved to Rapid City where she met her future husband, Bennie Franklin Castleman, who was stationed at Ellsworth AFB.  They were married on May 16, 1953 and had two children – Gail Lynette and Marshall Allen (Mark). 

While Bennie was in the Air Force they lived in Rapid City SD, Okinawa, Myrtle Beach SC, and Clovis NM, eventually retiring to Sturgis, SD.  LaVonne worked in civil service most of her career, and was a Contract Specialist at the Fort Meade VA when she retired.  She lived in Tilford and Sturgis until she moved to California in 2024 to be closer to her son, Mark, and his wife.

LaVonne loved animals, especially her dogs.  She enjoyed sewing and was an excellent seamstress, something she perfected while living in Okinawa.  And she loved nothing more than having friends or family stop by for coffee.

Survivors include her son and his wife, Mark and Diane Castleman of Happy Valley, California, and her daughter and her husband, Gail and Craig Johnson, of Colorado Springs, Colorado.  She is also survived by three grandchildren, Ciarra, Keith, and Brittany, as well as her cousin Donna Ennis and her husband Duane of Lead, South Dakota.

LaVonne’s parents, her husband, Bennie, and a granddaughter, Amanda Castleman, preceded her in death.

LaVonne will be interred at Black Hills National Cemetery on Monday, September 14, at 10:00 AM.  The family invites you to join them for a Celebration of Life/Wake and refreshments at the Sturgis Vet’s Club at 11:30 AM following the interment.

You may sign her online guestbook at www.kinkadefunerals.com.