LaVerta Cheney

LaVerta Cheney, 98, of DeWitt, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 12, 2025, at Fieldstone of DeWitt, surrounded by her family.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at First Congregational United Church of Christ, DeWitt, with Visitation from 2:00 p.m. until 3:15 p.m. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery, DeWitt.

Pallbearers will be Chris Wall, Tom Mullen, Ted McNulty, Brian Cheney, Andrew McNulty, Doug Volrath, Tyler Esbaum, Jason Spain, and Brian Hess.

The family suggests memorials to First Congregational United Church of Christ, the DeWitt Community Library, or a charity of your choice.

LaVerta Marjaleen Schmidt, the daughter of the late Elmer and Violetta Schmidt, was born November 6, 1926, in Davenport, Iowa. In eighth grade, her accordion group performed for Lawrence Welk, a memory she cherished throughout her life. She graduated with First Honors from Davenport High School, Class of 1944. On December 18, 1948, LaVerta married Philip “Mac” Cheney in Davenport. Together they built a life in DeWitt, where they raised their family and operated Cheney Implement Company from 1959 to 1981.

LaVerta was active in her community, volunteering in the church office for UCC, as well as contributing her time and leadership to organizations, including the DeWitt Newcomers Club, The Lioness Club, the UCC Noon Lions Lunch Ladies, the Hospital Auxiliary, and the DeWitt Lanes Bowling League. She was also a member of Springbrook Country Club, where she proudly recorded a hole-in-one. LaVerta was a devoted leader in the Girl Scouts, serving both as a troop leader and on the Council’s Board of Directors. She chaperoned international trips to Switzerland and Mexico, helping young girls broaden their horizons. In retirement, she and Mac traveled extensively through Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. They spent winters in the Rio Grande Valley, Texas, enjoying time with friends and enjoying their hobbies—especially playing cards. LaVerta was an accomplished Bridge player and never missed a chance to sit down for a game.

Surviving are her children, Carol Wall of Donahue, Richard (DeeAnn) Cheney of Bellevue, and Martha (Leo) Mullen of DeWitt; 9 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 55 years, Philip “Mac” Cheney; her daughter, Debra Cheney; and her son-in-law, Nick Wall.

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