Lavetta Jones Hensley, 70, a retired Libby businesswoman, died Thursday, Dec. 21, 2006, at her home in Libby.

She was born Aug. 6, 1936, to Lester Erickson and Lucille Roush Erickson at Norland Township, Minn.

Lavetta married Elmer Jones Nov. 20, 1954, and they came to Libby in 1958.

Elmer preceded her in death in 1982. She married Don Hensley on Dec. 12, 1987. He preceded her in death in 1988.

Lavetta owned and operated H & R Block for many years and, for a time, operated the Grange Insurance Agency. She enjoyed camping, sewing and collecting cookie jars. Her greatest joy was her family.

Survivors include her children, Lester (Mick) Jones and wife Carol of Libby, Marlise Bailey and fiance Jeb Butler, also of Libby, Lorraine Welch and husband Charlie of Kalispell, and Delmer Jones and wife Patti of Kuna, Idaho; grandchildren Jeremy, Jason, Lester, Crystal, Zach, Andreca, Buffy, Josh and Jenna; great-grandchildren Ilea, Anthony and Hayden; and numerous other relatives.

She was also preceded in death by two sisters, Leatrice Ann Erickson and Leota Erickson.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 28, at the City of Libby Cemetery. A potluck reception will follow at the Veterans of Foreign Wars hall.

Arrangements are by Nelson & Vial Funeral Home.