Laverne Ruth Carlson, age 81, of North Canton, passed away Thursday August 22, 2013, at Mercy Medical Center following an extended illness. Laverne was born on November 1, 1931, in Chicago to Jesse and Ruth (Henderson) Janes. She received her Bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois in Education and worked as a teacher for the Perry School District for 28 years. Laverne was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Fred, whom she married July 16, 1955; four children, Cathy of North Canton, Steven and wife Beth of Knoxville, TN, Karen and her husband Bill of Sarasota, FL, and Jon of Detroit, MI; grandchildren, Kristen, Eric, MaryBeth, Christine, Katherine, Matthew, Lisa, Brian and Bridget. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother William Janes, and her daughter-in-law Gail Majeska Carlson. A private family committal service was held at Sunset Hills Burial Park. A public memorial service to celebrate Lavern's life will be held Saturday, September 21, 2013, at 4:00 p.m. at the Arnold Funeral Home in Canton. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are requested to Siffrin Hope Fund, 2912 Whipple Ave NW, Canton, Ohio 44708 or online at Siffrin.com. Condolences or fond memories may be left online at www.arnoldfuneralhome.com (Arnold-Canton 330-456-7291)