Nellie L. (Duncan) Fugate

Nellie LaVerne (Duncan) Fugate was born February 19, 1928 in Kansas City, Missouri and departed this life on July 14, 2020 at Golden Years Care Center in Harrisonville, Missouri, at the age of 92 years, 4 months and 25 days.

She was the daughter of Riley Newton and Nellie Louisa (Shivley) Duncan.

LaVerne lived in Kansas City, Missouri until 1934 when the Duncan family moved to a farm near Cleveland, Missouri. LaVerne attended grade school in West Line, Missouri and graduated from Freeman High School in Freeman, Missouri. She continued her education, obtaining a Bachelor of Science Degree from Park University in Kansas City, Missouri. After graduating from Park University, LaVerne attended the University of Missouri in Columbia for her graduate studies.

On June 10, 1951, LaVerne was united in marriage with William Harold Fugate in Freeman, Missouri and to this union four children were born. LaVerne and Harold lived several places early in their marriage, they lived in Nevada, Missouri for five years where LaVerne worked for a year at Sears, then they moved to Butler, Missouri for two years, then to Clinton, Missouri for six years. In 1969, the Fugate family moved to Cleveland, Missouri where together, LaVerne and Harold owned and operated a cattle and grain farm. After her husband’s death on June 23, 1996, LaVerne continued to live on her beloved farm. In 2013, with her health declining, LaVerne moved to Golden Years Care Center in Harrisonville, Missouri.

LaVerne loved her Lord. She was an active member of the Cleveland, MO. First Baptist Church and attended most every service and activity. She also enjoyed Bible study with her friends. LaVerne also enjoyed playing piano and singing with a small group from church. They called themselves the Praise Singers and traveled to local Nursing Homes to perform gospel music for the residents.  It brought them just as much joy as the residents themselves.  

LaVerne was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. When her children were young, she was a 4-H Mom for all of them. Later, her joy in life was gathering all her family and friends for picnics and get-togethers and was well known for her delicious Dutch Apple Pie that she would make for these events. LaVerne was also known for her love of cats. Friends and family never saw LaVerne when she wasn’t smiling.

In addition to her husband, Harold, LaVerne was preceded in death by her parents, Riley and Nellie Duncan and one son, Bruce Fugate.

She is survived by two sons, Victor (Vic) Fugate Sr. and wife Linda of Humansville, Missouri, and Rex Fugate and wife Diana of Cleveland, Missouri; one daughter, Barbara Lindley of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; Eleven grandchildren, Carl Fugate, Jessie Fugate, Victor Fugate, Jr., Christopher Fugate, Eric Fugate, Austin Fugate, Paul Shupert, Aspen Fugate, Chuck Martin, Angela Oelke and Bryon Martin; many, many great grandchildren, other relatives and many friends.

Graveside Service for Nellie LaVerne (Duncan) Fugate will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, July 20, 2020 at the Glenwild Cemetery near Cleveland, Missouri, with Brother Henry Green officiating. Casket Bearers will be Carl Fugate, Jessie Fugate, Victor Fugate, Jr., Christopher Fugate, Eric Fugate, Austin Fugate, Paul Shupert, Chuck Martin and Bryon Martin. Music will be provided by Sherrie Roberson, and Deanna and Bill Wolff.

The family suggests contributions to Ascend Hospice, 783 Anderson Lane, Lee’s Summit, Missouri 64064. If you desire to send flowers or potted plants, please call (913) 991-3153 for instructions on delivery.