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LaVonna Alter Obituary

LaVonna was born August 6, 1928 in Denver, and died October 10, 2012 in Colorado Springs. She grew up on the Westside in Colorado Springs where her parents had a commercial art business. She graduated from Colorado Springs High School (now Palmer) in 1946. In 1948 she married a former military man and moved to Indiana. He later was activated for the Korean War and remained in the army for 30 years. As a military wife she lived in many places in the U.S. and around the world. Her marriage ended in the late 1970's at which time she returned to Colorado Springs. Von was interested in many things, including visual art, flying, jazz and travel. While a youngster, she studied art at the Colorado Springs Fine Art Center under Boardman Robinson. In her first marriage, she and her husband were part owners of an airplane. This led to earning many ratings, including Commercial, Instrument and Multi Engine. She participated in the final "Powder Puff Derby" in 1976 which led to continuing to compete in women's air races throughout the country. Upon her return to Colorado, she continued to compete in women's air races. Many of the organizations she participated in included the Ninety-Nines; Colorado Chapter of the Silver Wings Fraternity, of which she was past President. She was a charter member and past board member of the Pikes Peak Jazz and Swing Society, and charter member of the AOPA Ultralight Division. She was past member of the Colorado Springs Balloon Society and had several hours of instruction in hot air balloons, as well as several hours in a sailplane. She has had the pleasure of traveling to many places in the world, including Okinawa, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, England, most of western Europe, Morocco, Canada, Mexico, Central America, and, most recently, Russia. She was proud to say that she had been in all 50 of the United States. She is predeceased by her parents, P.P. and Mildred Scott, as well as a daughter, Annie. She is survived by a grandson, Ben Fischer, and her husband, Robert Simon. There will be no memorial services. She has requested cremation. Memorial donations may be made to the Pikes Peak Chapter of the International 99's, The Colorado Springs Balloon Classic, or the Pikes Peak Jazz And Swing Society.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gazette on Oct. 14, 2012.

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Juanita Martin

October 8, 2022

Always remembered and cherished as a beautiful soul.

Juanita Martin

October 8, 2021

Von, you and Bob are still missed as if it were yesterday. I so enjoyed our friendship and knowing you both was such a blessing. Love and prayers....

Greg and Juanita at a jazz affair....

Juanita and Greg Martin and Johnson

October 8, 2020

Von, we continue to miss you and treasure your memory. You were one of a kind, and we were blessed to know you.

Juanita Martin

October 8, 2019

You are still missed, Von.

Anna Petrocelli

October 8, 2019

We still miss you and talk about you in our jazz circles. You have left a void.

October 28, 2012

Our Dear Von: How we will miss your smiling face, our fun and interesting conversations and having you "there" for our jazz events. There will be a definite void in our lives -- but wasn't it fun while it lasted! Our sympathy to you, Bob, -- you certainly were a wonderful couple.

Peggy Marks

October 26, 2012

Lavonna, you will be missed so very much--you alway had that wonderful smile on your face--dear one--start planning the parties in your new abode,love PeggyAnn Rowe Marks

Von Alter with husband Bob and jazz friends Sandy, Ann and Ron at the 2007 San Diego Jazz Party

Mike and Sandy Wilson

October 23, 2012

Von, we feel very privileged to have known you, if only for too short a time. We regret not having had the opportunity to meet you much earlier. You were such an intelligent, witty, fun lady and a lover of the music we loved - swing style jazz. We will miss you immensely and hope that your husband and jazz companion, Bob, will be able to overcome the sadness created by the sudden tragedy of losing you.

Frank & Vanita Gallo

October 19, 2012

We will miss the lovely and gracious Von who so faithfully attended the Silver Wings Fraternity meetings over the years and graced us with her presence. Our heartfelt sympathy to Bob.

October 17, 2012

We were so fortunate to have you in our circle, what a neat friend, always had a smile, God bless Bob for taking such good care of you, Luv ya Peggy

October 16, 2012

We will always remember Von and her sweet smiling face when she greeted us at the jazz events. For years, she has always "been there" for us and made us feel welcome. God bless you, Von and our hearts go out to Bob as we are sure he will miss her so much, as will we!! Lovingly, Dave and Sue Vandegriff

Ann Petrocelli

October 15, 2012

My dear friend, Von. The entire day yesterday was for you at the Second Sunday. But, of course you knew it. You were there, among all of us who knew you, loved you and miss you... Our hearts will be remembering you, forever, and another glass will be turned over in your honor, every time we get together. So.... "With a Song in My Heart" I salute you and bid you goodbye, my Friend.

October 15, 2012

Bob, our hearts go out to you in the loss of Von. Too soon, the best among us are gone and we will miss her beautiful presence. Juanita Martin and Greg Johnson

Betty Berry-Sutton

October 14, 2012

Saddened at the loss of my "Birthday Twin" !!! Will always treasure the good times we have shared!!7

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