Lavonna M. "Babe" Risk Obituary (1925

Let Us Pause To Honor the Memory of Mrs. LaVonna Mae "Babe" Risk LaVonna Mae Risk, 95, entered mortality on 30 December 2020. Born March 8, 1925 in Elwood, Indiana to Golda and Day Risk, they would soon move to Canaan, Indiana where she would live the majority of her long and adventurous life. Nicknamed "Babe" as a toddler hanging around the local garage in Canaan with her father, Babe would become an unconquerable and colorful force. Her zest for life, music, dancing, cards, homemaking, sports and family would set the mold for the matriarch she would become and how she would influence . . . she also had an extremely heavy lead foot and more than once helped straightened the curves to and from Canaan. Babe attended Canaan elementary school, followed by Central High School in Madison. Shortly after graduation, she married her husband of 65 years, Howard Clifford Risk, also of Canaan. Baptized in 1938, Babe was an 82-year member of Indian-Kentuck Baptist Church. During her tenure, Babe held several positions in the church, including serving as the first woman trustee and until her death was the longest serving member of the congregation. As a young mother to a growing family of three children - Richard, Larry and Shirley - she also served as homemaker and farm partner. Babe was known to be milking cows or in the fields beside her growing family one minute and then rushing home to have food on the table the next. Often following dinner was an incredibly competitive family game of croquet in the farmyard, with Babe frequently willing to chance a game of 'poison' while playing croquet to take out her own kin rather than win. With her children maturing, Babe joined the Indiana Order of Eastern Start (OES) in 1954. Babe's crowning achievement was being elevated to Indiana Worthy Grand Matron in 1972. Babe loved traveling the state for OES engagements and communing with the many lifelong friends she and Howard met along the way. Neither high water or snowy and icy conditions could temper her determination to attend functions - many times she was seen shoveling snow in a ball gown and snow boots to free one of her many rear-wheel drive cars out of precarious spots. In 1972 alone, Babe recorded 72,000 miles on her 1969 Bonneville traveling the state to the many OES Chapters. Babe was a member of OES for 66 years.Her life with Howard was a robust, cultured and well-traveled adventure - among their many travels, they visited all 50 states, 5 continents and numerous countries. Her competitive spirit also lent itself to weekly card games with the Canaan Bid-Euchre club where her secret fresh strawberry pie recipe was almost as well-known as her jovial glee in 'euchring' someone. This competitive spirt (and secret pie recipe) would be passed down through her family. LaVonna and Howard's immortal legacy lives on through their children and their respective families as exemplified through their love of live music, dancing, cards, croquet, cooking, sports, the arts and, most importantly, a sense of family. May you rest in peace knowing that you are loved and will forever live in our hearts. We know you took great pride in looking upon the families you helped shape. Love you forever. Please Click Here to View the Video Tribute Please Click Here to View the Funeral Service Recording SERVICES AND MEMORIAL EXPRESSIONSThere will be a celebration of life held at a later date once we are able to gather safely. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Babe's name Indian-Kentuck Baptist Church, Canaan, Indiana. Cards are available at the Morgan & Nay Funeral Centres of Madison and Hanover. Online condolences, remembrances and memorials can be left at www.morgan-nay.com Make An Online Memorial Donation To send a flower arrangement in memory of LaVonna M. "Babe" Risk, please click here to visit our sympathy store.