A consummate lady and beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, LaVerne Evelyn Masten died on July 12, 2022, at the age of 102 years and 9 ½ months.  She graduated from CSUF and was a life member of the CSUF alumni. She was a member of Tokalon, Pi Gamma Mu Honor Society, Fresno-Madera Medical Society Auxiliary, Wednesday Club, First Presbyterian Church, the church Mariners' couples club, and three dance clubs, often serving as president.  She was honored for her work as Heart Sunday chairman of the Heart Association.  A former piano teacher, backpacker, hiker, and world traveler, she and her husband Malcolm visited more than 100 countries including backpacking in the Himalayas, exploring Antarctica, and taking a local train across China.  Adventurous in amazing ways, she got her husband into both traveling the globe and dancing (the samba was her favorite), and was kind enough to organize and cook for the parties and events her husband delighted in having.  She played the organ, sewed, did cross-stitch and needlework, and was adept at painting – their house inside and out as well as her daughter's Ohio fence. She introduced her family to every new fruit, vegetable, and food on offer, and got one of the first available microwaves.  Forever immaculately dressed, she ensured her husband and young daughters were as well.  LaVerne loved to read and to learn, spending months doing research for the periodic reports required by membership in the Wednesday Club.  In later years, she continued to enjoy music, the mountain cabin she and Malcolm built, and her growing family. Her contributions to her family, her friends, and her extended community are invaluable and will be missed.

LaVerne is survived by her husband of 79 years, Malcolm Masten, daughter Marlene Masten, daughter Marilyn Masten Honegger and husband Scott, granddaughter Julie and husband Mitch, grandson David and wife Sarah, and three great-grandsons. A celebration of her life will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Fresno on August 20 at 1 PM.  In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the First Presbyterian Church, The San Joaquin Gardens Foundation, and/or the Fresno Philharmonic.