Lavada "Babe" Schwab

Lavada “Babe” Schwab, 90 of Devils Lake, North Dakota passed away on Thursday, March 25, 2010 at Heartland Care Center, Devils Lake, ND. Mass of Christian Burial for Lavada will be held on Tuesday, March 30, 2010 at 10:00 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake with Fr. Dale Kinzler celebrating the Mass. Burial will be in the St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, Devils Lake. Visitation will be on Monday, March 29, 2010 from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Gilbertson Funeral Home Chapel, Devils Lake with a Rosary and Scripture Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation on Tuesday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral Mass. Serving as Casket Bearers for Babe will be Richard Schwab, Gerald Schwab, Jerry Idland, Randy Schwab, Adrian Schwab and Marvin Schwab. Reading the Sacred Scriptures will be Dennis Schwab and Gift Bearers will be Mike Schwab and Steve Schwab. The Eucharistic Minister will be Duane Schwab and music will be provided by Kevin Regan, soloist and JoDee Lagein, organist. Lavada LaForte was born October 29, 1919, the daughter of Alexander and Clara (Dease) LaForte at Cando, North Dakota where she was reared and educated. Lavada was united in marriage to Frank Schwab December 29, 1941 in Cando. They established their home on his farm west of Devils Lake where they farmed through the years in Grand Harbor Township. In 1968 they moved into Devils Lake retiring from farming in 1974. Lavada worked at the Mayor Hotel as the desk clerk for a number of years. Frank passed away on April 8, 2004. Lavada moved to the Heartland Care Center on October 3, 2008. Lavada was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and the Altar Society. Lavada and Frank enjoyed many years of camping, fishing and spending time with family and friends at their East Bay campsite. They also enjoyed music and dancing; singing whenever they could or just listening to music performed by someone else. Lavada was an avid reader and also kept a daily journal for many years. Lavada loved all animals with a special love of dogs and horses. Lavada loved life, family and her Lord and we will treasure her love forever. Lavada is survived by her sister Ezella Wood of Excelsior Springs, Missouri; several nieces, nephews and cousins. Lavada is preceded in death by her husband, Frank, her parents, Alexander and Clara LaForte; brothers, Leo, Noah and Ernest LaForte; sisters, Angeline LaForte and Natalie Anderson.