Obituary of Luana Edith Sever

Luana (Boner) Sever was born on June 30, 1918 to John and Grace Boner, above her grandfather Jacob Boner’s blacksmith shop in Cedar Rapids, IA. She peacefully soared into the arms of Jesus on June 5, 2012 while at home with family in University Place. Luana is survived by her husband of 71 years, Buel, son Dan (Penny) Sever, daughter Pat (Roy) Helland, five grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, sister Joan Nullet, and many nieces, nephews and friends. Luana spent much of her younger years growing up in South Chicago, IL. After high school (1930’s) Luana was inspired to head west for college, having an interest in forestry. With very little resources, she climbed onto her bicycle and rode solo from Chicago, IL to Pullman, WA, sleeping in farmers’ fields - with permission of course! - along the way. Luana completed her bachelor’s degree at WSC in botany, where she also met the love of her life, Buel. They were married on Sept. 15, 1940 in Chicago, IL. In the 1940’s Luana worked in an oil refinery lab while Buel completed medical school at the Univ. of Chicago, and she later worked in Pullman, WA at a seed-testing lab while Buel served overseas in the Army during WWII. They settled in Fircrest, and then University Place in the 1950’s, where they remained, to raise their two children. Luana was a devoted, full-time wife and mom, who seemed to effortlessly care for her family, and was a gracious expert at whatever she pursued. She and Buel belonged to Fircrest Methodist Church, where Luana taught VBS and Sunday School, also in the ’50’s. Luana was the longest living member of the Tacoma Weavers’ Guild (over 50 years), and enjoyed her Tuesdays with the Spinners (spinning wool and in later years doing kumihimo.) Luana was best known for her adventurous, generous and thankful spirit, a quiet confidence, quick wit, with a brilliant, always curious and creative mind, and tremendous artistic talent. She believed in following one’s passions, some of hers being family, fiber arts, the outdoors, birds, gardening, lots of reading, the theater, and later in life hot air ballooning! Luana became an FAA certified balloon pilot, instructor, and in 1978 opened “Go Lightly, Inc.” a balloon repair station. Lu also designed and rebuilt her “Go Lightly” balloon and renamed it “Heron There”. It is interesting that Luana was once again, after all those years, asking permission from farmers - this time to land her balloon! - in their fields. Luana’s most harrowing flight was on May 18, 1980, near Mt. St. Helens when it erupted! Wisdom told her to land safely and quickly! Although Luana retired from ballooning in the early 1990’s, she remained a mentor and friend to those who followed after her. If you needed help, or a word of encouragement, no matter who you were, Luana was cheerfully there for you. A celebration of Luana’s life will be held at Fircrest United Methodist Church, 1018 Columbia Ave, Fircrest, WA, 98466, on Sat. June 23, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. A private gathering for family members will follow at the home. Luana was interested in seeing Sunset Bible Church’s building project come to fruition, and donations may be made in her memory to Sunset Bible Church, PO Box 64246, University Place, WA, 98464, or to a charity of your choice. As was Luana’s style, she would say softly, with a sweet smile, “Thank you.” Arrangements by Edwards Memorial 253-566-1008.