B. LaVilla Brand

B. LaVilla Brand, age 99 of Elwood passed away Sunday, January 4, 2015 at the Elwood Care Center. LaVilla was born January 25, 1915 at Colby, Kansas to Roger and Carrie (Turner) Reed. She grew up in the Smithfield/Elwood area and graduated with the class of 1934 from Elwood High School. LaVilla married Ward Brand on March 28, 1936 in Smithfield, Nebraska. LaVilla cleaned cabins at Johnson Lake for 5 years, and then was custodian of the United Methodist Church for 36 years. She loved quilting and crocheting, making many afghans for family and friends. She enjoyed her coffee club and church circle. She was also an avid reader until her eyesight failed her. LaVilla cherished time spent with family and friends. She is survived by her 4 children, Eileen (Harold) Debban of Kearney, Roger (Joan) Brand of Gothenburg, Betty Gaudreault of Cozad and Marvin (Sue) Brand of Elwood; 9 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; 8 great-great grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Verna Carter of Kansas and Betty Brand of Utah; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; 1 daughter; 1 granddaughter; 1 son-in-law; 1 brother; 1 step-brother and 3 step-sisters. Memorials are suggested to the United Methodist Church in Elwood or the Elwood Senior Center. Services will be held Thursday, January 8, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Elwood. Burial will be at the Elwood Cemetery. Visitation will be held 1 hour prior to service time at the church. Online condolences may be shared at berrymanfuneralhome.com. Berryman Funeral Home in Cozad is in charge of arrangements.