LaVerne Rose Lee Butte des Morts, Wisconsin LaVerne Rose Lee, age 77, of Butte des Morts, passed away unexpectedly Thursday October 8, 2009, at Mercy Medical Center in the loving care of all of her daughter's friends and co-workers in the Intensive Care Unit. LaVerne "Vernie" was born on April 4, 1932, to Lyman and Anna (Jurgenson) Tarlton at home in Athelstane, Wisconsin. She was the eldest of seven children. Vernie graduated from Crivitz High School in 1950. On July 28, 1956, she married Robert E. Lee and together they had one daughter, Mary Jo. Vernie had a love for life and people. She was an example for all to follow with her work ethic and kindness. Being the eldest of seven children during the depression, she worked as a butcher in her father's meat processing plant in Athelstane. For several years, she worked in Milwaukee as a telephone operator. Vernie came back home to Athelstane and married Bob and they relocated to Shiocton, and called that home for many years. She worked at Andy's Fine Foods, supplying everyone in town with the finest cuts of meat. Vernie changed careers and retired from Appleton Mills in April 1998, and when she retired, she did not slow down. Fishing and antique shopping with Bob, gardening, cooking and enjoying her grandsons were her passions. LaVerne is survived by her husband, Bob, of Butte des Morts; her daughter, Mary (Jeff) Miller, of Butte des Morts; her grandsons, Robin (Heather) Sayler, of Butte des Morts; and Chris Miller, of Butte des Morts; her brothers, Gerald (Sandy) Tarlton, of Marinette; Vernon (Lois) Tarlton, of Shiocton; her sisters, Linda Smart, of California; and Eleanor Slawney, of Florida. She has two surviving uncles that she kept in touch with, Uncle Francis Tarlton, of Washington; and Uncle Clinton (Delores) Tarlton, of Illinois; and a cousin, Lee Tarlton. Preceding her in death were her parents, Lyman and Anna; her brother, Lyman, Jr. "Sonny"; and her sister, Ellen "Ellie". A Funeral Service for Vernie will be held on Tuesday, October 13, 2009, at 5:00 p.m. at Mueller Funeral Home, Winneconne, with Chaplain Ron Michels officiating. Burial will be on Wednesday, October 14, in the Forest Home Cemetery in Crivitz. A Visitation for family and friends will be on Tuesday at the funeral home from 2:00 p.m. until the time of the service. Mom, you passed away so suddenly without suffering. For that, we are eternally grateful. Please help us with our flower gardens from heaven. We love you. Mueller Funeral Home 904 E. Main St. P.O. Box 250 Winneconne, WI 54986 (920) 582-4242 Please submit online condolences to www.muellerfuneralhomeinc.com