Lavonne Ethyl Berry

 ST. JOSEPH – Lavonne Ethyl Berry, nee Grimes, of St. Joseph died Saturday, Nov. 15, 2008, of complications from old age.

Mrs. Berry, 89, was born in San Bernardino, Calif., on July 28, 1919. She was the widow of Henry T. Berry, formerly the Superintendent of St. Joseph High School, who preceded her in October of 2000.

Mrs. Berry was especially proud of her service as a "Rosie the Riveter," helping to manufacture the P-38 Lightning fighter planes during World War II.

Mrs. Berry is survived by her three children, Henry T. Berry, Jr., age 62, of New York City, Charles V. Berry of St. Joseph, and Barbara A. Berry, 54, of St. Joseph; as well as three grandchildren, Jennifer, Charles and Calvin; and a great-granddaughter, Maggie.

The funeral will be private and Mrs. Berry will be buried with her husband at the Danville National Cemetery, Danville. Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, is in charge of arrangements.

Published by The News-Gazette on Nov. 17, 2008.