Lavonia (Marti) Burkhalter Dake

Ethel Lavonia Burkhalter Dake was born in Fort Worth, Texas to Moses and Virgie Marti. She passed away Wednesday evening, April 24, 2024.

Lavonia grew up on her parents dairy farm where she learned her hard working ethics. She attended school in Burleson from kindergarten through high school. During her high school years, she played girls basketball. In order to get home from the games, she often drove the family tractor down what is now recognized as I35. When it was dark she had to use a lantern to light her way. That determination was a part of who she was.

Lavonia earned a degree in accounting and used it throughout her working career. She last worked at Watson Drill Rigs, finally retiring, only to then start working for herself in real estate. Working hard was an integral part of who she was and how she lived her life. For example, she was out mowing the week before she passed at 90 years old.

She loved the people who rented from her and forged amazing relationships with them. Many of these relationships spanned years and they have expressed how much they will miss her.

If you looked into Lavonia’s daily life you would see; how much she loved sports, but her favorite was NASCAR racing. She kept a three-ring binder with stats. She kept a weekly standing hair appointment scheduling her life around, never missing one unless she felt really bad. She always had a picture puzzle and a crossword puzzle going on her dining room table.

She loved her son, Charles and her grandchildren Coleman and Sumner. She was known to them for her delicious home cooking and how she would prepare some of their favorites, sweet potato casserole, banana pudding and Kool-aid. She would frequently send recipes home when she found one’s she thought they would like. When Coleman and Sumner took up ice skating she was one of their biggest fans and supporters. The grandchildren loved to listen to the stories she would tell them about her childhood. As a family we loved how she would call her son Charles, “Sunny Boy” and light up whenever they were together.

She is survived by her son and daughter in law; Charles and Sheryl Ledbetter and their two children; Coleman and Sumner Ledbetter.

Her brother, Paul Marti and his children.

Final words to describe Lavonia:

Independent, Determined, Loving and Supportive