LaVerne Schraf

LaVerne Schraf, 94, formerly of Beaver Falls, PA and Columbiana, OH,
passed away on February 3, 2026, at her home in Ocean Isle Beach, NC.
The fifth of seven children, LaVerne was born on September 8, 1931, in
Cresson, PA to the late Leo and Pauline (Garrett) Criste. LaVerne was a
member of St. Brendan the Navigator Catholic Church in Shallotte, NC.
She was predeceased by her husband of 70 years, Paul J. Schraf.

Together they raised eight children: Karen (Bob) Botte, Lawrenceville, GA,
Anita Miller, Gulfport, FL, Dave (Karin) Schraf, Webster, NY, Linda (Greg)
Hildebrand, Fredericksburg, VA, Betsy (Jim) Pence, Ocean Isle Beach, NC,
Paula (Jim) Brown, Canfield, OH, Mike (Susan) Schraf, Harrisburg, PA, and
Rick (Jody) Schraf, State College, PA. They were blessed with 24
grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.

After graduating high school, LaVerne studied at Mount Aloysius College in
Cresson, PA where she earned her Associate Degree as a Laboratory
Technician. She and Paul married on June 6, 1953, moved to Beaver Falls,
and immediately started their family. Paul worked long hours as a flooring
installer for over 40 years, while LaVerne raised the family, kept the house,
made the meals, and always ensured that there were homemade desserts
on hand. Paul and LaVerne retired to Calabash, NC in 1994 where they
lived for over 12 years. During these years in North Carolina, all 8 children,
their spouses and their children traveled to Ocean Isle Beach for a
week-long vacation every July. So many wonderful memories were made
during those beach trips, and LaVerne cherished the time spent together
with her children and grandchildren.

After her children were grown and out of the house, LaVerne continued to
keep herself busy by doing various crafts. She made numerous hand
painted ceramic pieces, including nativity sets and village houses, which
are proudly displayed in the homes of her children and grandchildren. She
was also a prolific knitter, specializing in her famous dish rags. Several
years ago she found a new “crafting” passion – Diamond Dotz. This
meticulous craft involves applying variously colored tiny plastic beads to a
sticky pattern to create breathtaking artwork. The results are truly amazing
and beautiful. LaVerne was even featured in the local South Brunswick
Magazine for her creations – imagine, a celebrity at age 94!

To commemorate the second anniversary of Paul’s passing, all eight of
LaVerne and Paul’s children gathered in Ocean Isle Beach on January 29,
2026. LaVerne spent a wonderful weekend with her family, including a
memorial Mass for Paul on January 31. She passed away peacefully
surrounded by family on February 3.

Family and friends will be received on Wednesday, February 11 from 2-4
pm and 6-8 pm at CORLESS-KUNSELMAN FUNERAL SERVICES, 3801
4th Avenue, Beaver Falls.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, February 12 at 10:00
am at St. Augustine Parish, 116 Thorndale Drive, Beaver Falls.
Interment to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Patriot Hospice,
who took such wonderful care of her beloved Paul.
https://patriotathome.org/services/patriot-hospice