Ladd, Marion Lavon

Marion Lavon Ladd, age 102, of Dodgeville, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Friday, November 1, 2024 at Crestridge Assisted Living in Dodgeville.

She was born in Edmund, Wisconsin to Anette (Nettie) and Clarence Rhinerson. Marion grew up as an only child, living with her parents and grandmother, Martha Johnson, whom she helped care for during her grade school years. She attended Edmund Grade School and graduated from Dodgeville High School in 1939. Following her graduation, she worked in her father’s grocery store, Rhinerson Brothers, in Edmund. Marion was a lifelong member of the Edmund Lutheran Church where she was baptized and confirmed, and she later became a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Dodgeville, where she held the title of oldest living member for quite some time. 

On May 27, 1944, Marion married Chadwick Noble Ladd. They lived with Chad’s parents, on a farm near Ridgeway their first year of marriage. They later moved to a farm near Edmond, before settling in Dodgeville when Chad left farming to pursue a career in sales. Marion and Chad had three children: Nancy, Barbara, and Alan. Marion cherished spending time with her children and grandchildren, traveling, and enjoying their family cabin until Chad’s unexpected passing at the age of 56.

In her later years, Marion worked at the Higbee Hotel and Memorial Hospital in Dodgeville. She enjoyed traveling, making many trips to Colorado to visit her family. As a dedicated and loving grandmother, she sent letters and cards for every birthday and holiday, often including additional notes to check in and share her life. She wanted everyone to know how much she loved them and enjoyed caring for them over the years. Marion was actively involved in Circle at Grace Lutheran Church and volunteered there for many years. She was a devoted friend and an avid reader who enjoyed a good game of Skip-Bo, and her laugh was truly infectious.

Marion is survived by her daughters, Nancy Johns of Loveland, Colorado and Barbara Thompson of Fort Collins, Colorado; her daughter-in-law, Jackie Ladd of Dodgeville; her seven grandchildren Derek (Julie) Johns, Matthew (Amy) Johns, Drew (Elecia) Thompson, Hayley Thompson, Carmen (Keegan) Ladd-Koch, Chadwick Ladd, and Caitlin Ladd; her seven great grandchildren: Nicholas, Katelyn, Mia, Delaney, Isabella, Quinn, and Meadow, each of whom brought her immense joy. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Nettie and Clarence Rhinerson; her husband Chadwick Ladd; her son Alan Ladd; her son-in-law Douglas Johns; her four brothers-in-law Herb Ladd, Dave Ladd, Jon Ladd, Bob Graves; her five sisters-in-law, Phyllis Ladd Graves, Betty Starr Ladd, Lois Mead Ladd, Lois Peterson Ladd, Nancy Jacobson Ladd; her nephew Scott Ladd; and many other family members and friends. 

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 9, 2024 at GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH in Dodgeville. Rev. Mark Williamson will officiate. Burial will be held in East Side Cemetery in Dodgeville. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until time of services on Saturday at the church.

Marion enjoyed her final years at Sienna Crest and Crestridge Assisted Living in Dodgeville. The family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Crestridge Assisted Living, Crestridge Memory Care, and the entire team at St. Croix hospice for their compassionate care and support. 

In lieu of flowers, Marion requested that donations to be made to Grace Lutheran Church and the Edmund Lutheran Church. The family would also like to request donations be made to St. Croix Hospice. 

Gorgen-McGinley & Ayers 

Funeral Home

www.gorgenfh.com