LaVerna Jeanne Holt Hughes, 80, passed away peacefully on November 9, 2011 at her home, surrounded by her family and loved ones.

Verna, as she liked to be called, was born August 24, 1931 in Parowan, Utah to Henry Jesse and Lillis Burgess Holt. She was the 10th child of 13 children, plus a cousin who was raised like a sibling with the family. Verna spent most of her childhood in St. George, and at the Blue Bell and Gold Strike mines both in Utah where her father worked. When spending some time in Mesquite with her older sister Rita, she met the love of her life, Max Donald Hughes. After he fulfilled a mission, they were married and sealed in the LDS Temple in Manti, Utah. They were blessed with four children, Max Erwin, who passed away at age 6, Howard Jay, JoAnne and Kayleen. They chose to raise their family in Mesquite, where Max worked with his dad in auto repair and as a John Deere Dealer. Verna helped Max by selling the toys, which she enjoyed and was very efficient at.

Verna was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Day Saints. She held positions in the different auxiliaries, including Primary President, and Secretary of the young Women's MIA and as a teacher, her favorite calling.

Verna was preceded in death by her son, Erwin, her beloved husband, Max, both of her parents and parents-in-law, three of her brothers and the cousin. All six of her sisters, and brothers and sisters-in-law.

She is survived by her three children, Howard Jay, JoAnne (Dwaine) McConnell and Kayleen Hughes; her grand daughter Catya Rene, all live in Mesquite, NV. Three of her brothers, Bill Holt of Salina, UT; Rulon "Bud" (Rosie) of Cedar City, Ut; and Jim (Kathy) Holt of Washington, UT; sisters-in-law Norma (Donald) Holt, of St. George, UT; Edith Ann (John) Koger of El Dorado Springs, MO; as well as many nieces and nephews all of who she loved.

A visitation will be held Wednesday, November 16, 2011 at the L.D.S Church, Whipple Chapel Mesquite, Nevada from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and on November 17, 2011 from 9:00-10:30 a.m.

Funeral services will be on Thursday, November 17, 2011 at the L.D.S Whipple Chapel, Mesquite, Nevada at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be in the Mesquite cemetery immediately following.