Vickie La Venture

Vickie Ann Laventure (Hirsch), 79, of Verona, and formerly of Colby, passed away Wednesday, March 4, 2026.

A celebration of life open house will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at the Colby City Hall from 1-3 p.m.

Vickie was born April 11, 1946, in Scotland, S.D., to Victor J. Hirsch and Margaret Ruth "Ruth" Hubbard. After Ruth's passing, her sister Helen lovingly became the adoptive mother to Ruth's six children.

She graduated from Scotland High School in 1964 and later earned her special education teaching degree from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley.

In 1975 she moved to Colby to begin her teaching career, where she met fellow teacher Kenneth John La Venture. They were married July 1, 1977, in Somerset.

Vickie dedicated her career to education, teaching special education as well as English as a Second Language and helping learners earn their HSED. She was active in her church choir and enjoyed sewing, knitting, crocheting and exploring her Irish and Scottish heritage.

Above all, she was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who loved supporting her family.

She lived with Parkinson's disease for 20 years, meeting its challenges with determination and grace.

She is survived by her husband, Ken Laventure; daughters: Mary Laventure and Kathryn (Peter) Nelson; sister, Susan (Danny) Smeins, brother, Dr. Victor Hirsch II and sister, Mary Higgins; two grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Memorial donations may be made to local education, knitting or Parkinson's programs or organizations.