Vera Lavon Warren, 100, of Bristow, Oklahoma left this life on September 8, 2026, to be reunited with her husband Bud, plus family and friends who preceded her.

Lavon was born in Shamrock, Oklahoma at her Grandmother Cargill’s home on August 2, 1926, to Ben H. Ellis and Nevada Cargill Ellis. When she was eight months old the family moved to the Gypsy area, this is where she was raised with her sister Donna, younger by two years. Lavon attended school at Gypsy from first grade until her high school graduation in 1944. She and her sister both played on the basketball team.

Leland (Bud) Warren and Lavon Ellis were married on November 20, 1944. Shortly after their marriage they traveled to Bremerton, Washington to work at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. The shipyard specialized in repairing battle-damaged war ships. They traveled back to the Gypsy area in November of 1945 where their son, Benny Lee, was born. They also had a daughter, Carol Ann, who was born in Bristow in June of 1953. Lavon worked as a supervisor at the Garment Factory from 1962 until her retirement. She made many lifelong friends while working there.

Lavon loved being a grandmother to Buddy Bishop of Bristow and a great grandmother to Jake Bishop also of Bristow. Granny’s door was always open, a snack was on the counter, and she had a willing ear to listen, or she would get out in the dirt and play trucks with them. Lavon was an avid birdwatcher and fed the birds throughout the winter months. She spent many hours watching her little feathered friends. She loved reading, needlework and crossword puzzles.

Lavon was a devout Christian and a faithful member of the First Baptist Church of Bristow for more than 60 years. Lavon was very involved in church activities. She taught a Sunday School class for 4-5 year olds with her dear friend Juanita Grant for many years. Later they also served together on the Bereavement Committee where they helped prepare meals for families following funeral services at the church. Lavon was always ready to lend a helping hand and offer words of comfort to whoever needed it.

Fortunately, we were able to celebrate Lavon’s 100th birthday on August 2, 2026, at the first Baptist Church. There were more than 60 people in attendance, and a good time was had by all, especially by Lavon. At the conclusion of the party Lavon stated, “This was better than a funeral because I got to see everyone and visit.” Her statement made us all laugh.

Lavon is survived by her daughter Carol and husband, Ed Donaldson of Colorado Springs, CO, her grandson Buddy Bishop of Bristow, her great-grandson Jake Bishop also of Bristow, daughter-in-law Stacey Warren of Colorado Springs, Paula Warren of Colorado Springs and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Lavon was preceded in death by her husband Bud Warren, her son Benny Warren, her father Ben Ellis, her mother Nevada Ellis, her sister Donna Craig and brother-in-law M.F Craig.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to be made to Refuge Hospice in Bristow, in Lavon’s memory. The address is: Refuge Care, 108 N. Broadway, Marlow, OK 73055. Lavon was in the care of Hospice at her home for the last five months of her life and the employees were all so kind and helpful, they were truly a blessing to Lavon and the family.

There will be a memorial service for Lavon later in the fall.