LaVerne Schraf, 94, formerly of Beaver Falls and Columbiana, Ohio, passed away peacefully surronded  by family on February 3rd, 2026, at her home in Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina.  LaVerne was the fifth of seven children and she was born on September 8th, 1931, in Cresson, Pennsylvania, the daughter of the late Leo and Pauline (Garrett) Criste. LaVerne was a member of St. Brendan the Navigator Catholic Church in Shallotte, North Carolina. In addition to her parents, she was preceded  in death by her husband of 70 years, Paul J. Schraf. Together they raised eight children: Karen (Bob) Botte of Lawrenceville, Georgia, Anita Miller of Gulfport, Florida, Dave (Karin) Schraf of Webster, New York,  Linda (Greg) Hildebrand  of Fredericksburg, Virginia, Betsy (Jim) Pence of Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina, Paula (Jim) Brown of Canfield, Ohio, Mike (Susan) Schraf of Harrisburg and Rick (Jody) Schraf  of State College. They were blessed with 24 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. After graduating high school, LaVerne studied at Mount Aloysius College in Cresson, Pennsylvania 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 29th, 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 11th from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at CORLESS-KUNSELMAN FUNERAL SERVICES, LLC, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls,  who was in charge of her arrangements. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, February 12th at 10 a.m. at St. Monica Catholic Church, 116 Thorndale Drive, Beaver Falls. Interment to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery,  2927 Clayton Road, Beaver Falls. 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.