Laverne L. Bear

Laverne L. Bear, age 77, of New Philadelphia, died Wednesday, June 8, 2011, in Union Hospital at Dover following a year-long illness.A daughter of the late Samuel Paul and Beulah Mae Vance Bear, Laverne was born in her grandparent’s farmhouse outside of Freeport, Ohio on April 30, 1934.She was a 1952 graduate of New Philadelphia High School and continued her formal education Otterbein College where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree.For many years following graduation, Laverne worked as a Medical Technician for area hospitals and was proud of the fact that during the times she lived in California and Hawaii, she was able to continue her career in the medical field. Laverne loved to travel and having lived not only in Ohio, but in Hawaii and California as well she took full advantage of her opportunities to sight see. Additionally, she had traveled to Asia and taken numerous cruises throughout the years. As a young lady, Laverne enjoyed attending Arthur Miller Dance Hall where she spent many evenings ball room dancing. Her other hobbies included gardening where she cared for the fruit trees, berry bushes, and vegetable garden that surrounded her New Philadelphia home.She cared for her dogs as if they were her children and her beloved pets Lizzie and Fluff will miss her deeply. Her beloved poodle, Honey Bear, which she had cared for during the past 17 years died just two weeks prior to Laverne’s own passing. Laverne is survived by six cousins and their families; Jolene Sigman of Cambridge, Ohio, Marilyn Fields of Granville, Ohio, Douglas Allton of Westerville, Ohio, Greg Bear, Carol McKay Johnson, and Doug Bear all of Tippecanoe. Also surviving are her neighbors, whom, for the past years have watched over and ensured Laverne’s safety.There will be no public visitation or services. Cremation will be cared for by Geib’s Tuscarawas Valley Crematory at Dover.Laverne’s love for animals was deep, memorial contributions in her memory may be directed to the Tuscarawas County Humane Society, PO BOX 92, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.