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Lavell Deese

In his own heartfelt words, Lavell crafted his obituary, encapsulating his thoughts and experiences for those he loved.

I was born in Tiner Creek, Oklahoma, on the 19th of May, 1933. You would not find it on the map because there was only one little store about the size of Heard’s Market – a little smaller. My grandmother received 160 acres from the Cherokee Nation. There was no electricity or telephones. At the age of seven, my family moved to Blackwell, Oklahoma, and a whole new world opened: paved streets, stores, theaters, and real schools. Blackwell was a wonderful town to grow up in. I lived there through my sophomore year of school. My family moved to California at this time. I finished high school in Anderson, California. After graduation, I married Barbara Lock; we raised three wonderful girls- Elizabeth, Tina, and Suzan. I worked in lumber mills and construction after graduation. Then, I was drafted into the Army for two years. I loved the Army and considered staying in for 20. However, we had one child, and I did not think it was a good family answer. I then decided to go to college; I chose education and became a teacher. My first job was in Westwood, California. I taught there for four years. I then took a job as superintendent at Shaffer Elementary in Litchfield, California. The school was a real country school, very bare and stark. I fell in love with the school and community. I decided to make the school into a facility that the students and community would be proud of. It was at this time the prison was moving in. We went from 91 students to a high of 315 when I left. It seemed we were in building mode for my twenty-seven years at the school. I actually worked with some of the contractors after school- of course, they didn’t pay me, but enjoyed the free help. In my twenty-seven years I had super school boards to work with. Then, in my last year, I met the school board from Hell. It was the worst year of my life; however, nothing could erase the first twenty-six years. I always tried to make Shaffer a fun place to work. I can’t express how important the support staff is to the school. Probably not many people recognize how important these people are! If you do not have great bus drivers, custodians, and super cooks, you could not have a great school. Also, you had better have that wonderful secretary that you need to have to be successful, and I had super ones.

I started with four expert teachers that helped me so much. These were Mrs. Hicks, Ellen Dunn, Mrs. Gardner, and Mrs. Pearson. I was lucky enough to hire several teachers who I had watched grow up and go to school in Susanville. Also, I hired two teachers that I taught in Westwood before coming to Shafer- Cordel Randal and Anita Quadrio. I would never be able to relate the love I had for Shaffer School. I am grateful that God gave me the opportunity to work here. I always tried to ask him to guide me and to help me to never fail the community, and especially the students and parents. Thank you to all of the board members for guiding me and backing me- each one should be so proud of the job you did.

In 2001, I married Ruth Tofsted- she was the love of my life. Together, we raised two super boys, Aaron and James, they were really great boys, always a great joy in our lives! I would not have traded them for anything, not even a good horse! Ruth Ann passed away in 2010 at the age of 49. I would not be able to express the wonderful marriage we shared. Truly the love of my life.

I would be amiss if I didn’t express my gratitude to my best friend these past few years. We had some great laughs and fun together. She was my salvation for these last years. I still don’t know some of the things she said, she was Italian you know, but she was certainly a wonderful friend and I loved her very much. I will love you forever, Giovanna Zinn.

My thanks and love to those who were able to be here and see me off to my next adventure. Always share your love with those around you. And I do hope you had fun and received a good education here at ‘ole Shaffer School.

Family and friends are warmly invited to attend a memorial service on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Shaffer School, 722-055 Highway 395 North, Litchfield, CA 96117. A repast will immediately follow at the same location at 11:30 a.m.

Marshel Couso
Marshel Cousohttp://www.susanvillestuff.com
SusanvilleStuff Owner/Publisher
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