Laverne Lois (nee: Lahaie) Newcomb, 98, of Portage, passed away in her home surrounded by her loving family January 18, 2024.  She was born July 23, 1925, in Gary, Indiana to the late Harvey and Louella (nee: Osterman) Lahaie.

Laverne married the late Carlton Newcomb in 1944 and together they raised four children.  She worked many jobs throughout her life, but retired from Portage School Systems where she was a cook.  Laverne enjoyed crocheting and spending time at the Bonner Senior Center in Portage where she could chat with friends and play pinochle, dice and cards.  She was a wonderful baker and would can all the vegetables her garden produced.  Above all, Laverne loved her large family, children, grandchildren, great and great-great grandchildren.  Her kind and caring spirit will be missed greatly.

Laverne is survived by her children, Robert (Judith) Newcomb, Mary Lou Castilleja, William Newcomb, and Victoria (Joey) Leto; 10 grandchildren, and 56 great and great-great grandchildren; and her sister Carol Ann Ogan.

In addition to her parents and loving husband, Carlton, Laverne was preceded in death by her siblings, Harvey Lahaie, and Juanita Roman; daughter-in-law, Judith Newcomb; and son-in-law, Mark Castilleja.

A visitation will take place from 11:00am – 1:00pm Wednesday, January 24 at Rees Funeral Homes, Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Avenue, Portage, Indiana 46368, with a burial to follow at 1:30pm at Calvary Cemetery, 2701 Willowdale Road, Portage, Indiana.