LaVonne LaRue (Schlender) Stroup, 81, of Washburn, North Dakota, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2026. A private family memorial service will take place.

LaVonne was born on August 24, 1944, in Hazen, North Dakota, to Herbert Christ Schlender and Hilda (Wolf) Schlender. She grew up on a farm outside of Pick City alongside her sisters, Donna, Arlene, and Caroline, where she spent many hours milking cows and helping with daily chores. She was a cheerleader and graduated from Riverdale High School.

LaVonne met and married the love of her life, Matthew James “Jim” Stroup, on April 24, 1965, in Hazen, North Dakota. Together, they raised three wonderful children and built a life rooted in family and community in Washburn. Throughout her years there, LaVonne worked at Chase Drug Store, Farmers Security Bank, and Washburn Insurance. She had a deep love for gardening and took great pride in her flower garden. She also enjoyed playing bridge and cherished morning coffee with friends.

She is survived by her children: Julie (Jeff) Hruby of Cedar Park, Texas; Sheri (Rich) Jahner of Surprise, Arizona; and Tim Stroup of Aurora, Colorado. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Jared (Ally), Zach (Kirstin), Trace (Carly), Maris, Maddy, and Bella; and her great-grandchildren, Leonardo, Taedum, Beckham, Baya, and Jett.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Herbert and Hilda Schlender; her sisters, Arlene Haase and Caroline Schlender; and her in-laws, Richard Haase, Larry Tabert, Robert Stroup II, Coletta Stroup, and Ed Vinje.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude for the exceptional care LaVonne received from the Washburn Ambulance and the dedicated staff at Sanford Hospital. LaVonne’s children are also deeply grateful for the caring Washburn community, who truly look out for one another.

Mom and Dad are together again, reunited in heaven, where they will celebrate their 61st wedding anniversary on April 24.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to First Lutheran Church, Washburn Ambulance, Painted Woods Golf Course, or a charity of your choice.