ROCHELLE — LaVera L. Prunty, age 96, of Rochelle, IL, passed away on Monday, November 13, 2023, at Liberty Village of Rochelle.

LaVera “Kitty” Ruhs was born on September 5, 1927 in Hildreth, NE, and she was the oldest daughter of Ludwig “Lou” and Johanna “Helen” (Post) Ruhs. LaVera married Robert “Bob” C. Prunty, Jr. on September 1, 1946 in Schaller, IA.

She was an avid collector and the proud owner of The Store Room Antiques and Collectibles for many years. LaVera loved her family, and the time she spent with them was the time she treasured most. LaVera and her late husband, Bob, led an exciting life traveling, spending time with family and working on many projects in the shop. LaVera was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Rochelle, IL.

Survivors include: her sister, Lorna Butler of Tulsa, OK; her four children: Randi (John) Vilks of Omaha, NE; Lee (Jane) Prunty of Rochelle, IL; Lynn (Deb Patten) Prunty of Sioux Rapids, IA; Lori (Dan Powless) Patterson of Malta, IL; her nine grandchildren: Paul (Carla Stec) Prunty of Birmingham, AL, Dejaka’ (Sean) Bachman of Des Moines, IA, Linley (Joseph) Byrnes of Flagstaff, AZ, Mariah Davidson of Chicago, IL, Daniel (Caitlin) Patterson of Minneapolis, MN, Casey Patterson of Rochelle, IL, John (Kelly) Patterson of Amboy, IL, Chad (Shanda) Huebner of Sioux Rapids, IA, Sherri (Tyler) Giese of Slayton, MN; her 18 great-grandchildren; as well as extended family and friends.

LaVera was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brother, Orvel “Bud” Ruhs, and great-grandson, JR Campbell.

Funeral service will be held 2:00 P.M., Saturday, November 18, 2023 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1415 10th Ave., Rochelle, IL.  Visitation will be 1:00 P.M. - 2:00 P.M. prior to the service at the church. LaVera will later be put to rest at Lone Tree Cemetery in Sioux Rapids, IA in a private gathering for family and close family friends.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church, Rochelle, IL.  Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.