July 1, 1923 — Oct. 5, 2016
Nancy LaVerne Jones Hirschi, 93, passed away on Oct. 5. She was born July 1, 1923, in St. George, Utah, at the Harradence Nursery Home located on Tabernacle Street. She was the first of five children born to Isabelle Leavitt Jones and William Vaughn Jones.
Her early life was spent at the hydro-electric generating plants located on the Santa Clara River in Washington County where her father was employed.
She attended school in Gunlock, Veyo and St. George, graduating from Dixie High School. She later attended Dixie College and graduated from the LDS Institute of Religion.
LaVerne married her high school sweetheart, Leland Squire Hirschi, in 1939. They are the parents of three children: Richard Lee, Barbara Jean and Scott.
In 1950, LaVerne and Lee established Ace Plumbing and Heating Company. The business was later sold to Grey and Dale Larkin. At that time, LaVerne and Lee began developing real estate with their first major project being the Kemp Korner (now Sunrise) Shopping Center. Their development efforts included residential and commercial properties as well as subdividing and developing land.
LaVerne also owned and operated the ABC Shop and Klothes Kloset in the shopping center. Those business allowed her to work closely with her daughter and many close friends.
Later, LaVerne used her experience and expertise in construction and development to establish a career in real estate as a licensed realtor.
She has always been an avid reader; she was especially interested in history and family genealogy. In 1986, she researched, wrote and published “Nancy,” a history of her grandmother.
She also loved riding horses and served for a time as the president of the Washington County Sheriff’s Possettes.
LaVerne was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in many positions over her lifetime, including as a primary teacher to Elder Jeff R. Holland and several other local notables. She is a former president of the Veyo Ward Relief Society.
LaVerne is survived by her son, Scott (Glenda); a daughter-in-law, Gloria Olsen; sons-in-law: Joe Empey and Mel Watkins; 12 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law: Ferrell Jones, Mary Jones and Jean (Mike) Engstrom.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son Richard, daughter Barbara and great-grandson Jordan Cliff Christensen.
Funeral services
- Funeral services will be Monday, Oct. 10, at 11 a.m. at Metcalf Mortuary, 288 W. St. George Blvd., St. George, Utah.
- Visitations will be held at Metcalf Mortuary, Sunday, Oct. 10, from 5-7 p.m. and prior to service, from 9:30-10:30 a.m.
- Interment will be in the St. George City Cemetery.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, 435-673-4221.
For condolences, full obituary and funeral listings, please visit Metcalf Mortuary online.
Special thanks to Jewell Bringhurst for her tender, loving friendship and care to the very end and Mike, Bree, Paige and Bailee of Sun Tree Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the William Vaughn and Isabelle Leavitt Jones Scholarship at the Dixie College foundation, 301 N. 200 East, Suite 3A, St. George, Utah 84770.