LaVonne K. Hite

LaVonne (Monnie) Kay Hite, our beautiful Mother of Coon Rapids, MN, peacefully transitioned to a new life in the early morning of January 27th, 2025, at the age of 74, with her husband and children at her side. She is preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Doris Schradieck, stepson Dennis Hite, and step-granddaughter Alicia Hite. She is survived by her husband John Hite; daughter April (Matt) Lenzmeier (grandchildren Eden and Sophie); son Justin (Heidi) Hite (grandchildren Carsyn and Cameryn); stepchildren Greg (Kristine) Hite (step-grandchildren Alexandria (Mike) Meyer, Andrew Hite, Abriel Hite, and Ashlee Hite); stepdaughter Corrine (Ben) Simpson (step-grandchildren Mercy Simpson and John Simpson); and step-grandchildren Benjamin Hite, Lucas Hite, and Amanda Hite; sisters Charlotte (Larry) Henrichs and Karen (Larry) Nelson; close cousin Sharon (Dick) Pederson; as well as many friends and associates.

LaVonne grew up in Morris, MN, and graduated from Morris High School after sustaining a spinal cord injury from a car accident that left her paralyzed from the waist down at the tender age of 17 years. She chose to fight hard and live a life of personal and professional success as a wife, mother, grandmother, Occupational Therapist, Executive Stress Coach, and Spiritual Director. LaVonne moved to Minneapolis and met her husband, John Hite, while working for a medical transportation service. They celebrated 50 years of marriage in 2024. She attended Anoka Hennepin Technical College to obtain her Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) and eventually graduated from St. Catherine's University in St. Paul, MN, with a bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy (OTR) to give back all that her healthcare team had given to her during her extensive rehab after the car accident. LaVonne was an advocate for the disabled, emphasizing the power of "believing in oneself and not relying on the approval of others." LaVonne was a "person beyond the wheelchair," and became Ms. Wheelchair MN in 1986 to help advocate for the disabled through awareness and outreach.

LaVonne will be remembered for her gentle, caring, and loving spirit. She made us feel like we were the most special people to her, taught us how to live in the present moment, and to have a personal relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

We honor LaVonne by celebrating her transition to a new heavenly body that will run and dance in heaven with Jesus forever, and she is preparing a place for us to join her in our Father's mansion. Mom, we thank you and we love you. Until then, we will "Love on."

Services will be held at Grace Lutheran Church in Andover, MN, on Monday, February 10th at 11:00 am with visitation at 10:00 am. There will be a luncheon to follow with the interment ceremony of her final resting place at Morningside Memorial Gardens in Coon Rapids, MN. In lieu of flowers or donations, please take the time to be in the present moment with your loved ones as LaVonne often did.

memorial service

Memorial Service

February 10, 2025

Grace Lutheran Church 13655 Round Lake Blvd NW, Andover, MN 55304, USA

Visitation at 10 AM.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Crescent Tide Cremation Services