Obituary of LaVelle Kasting

LaVelle (Alexander) Kasting, 87, passed away peacefully after a brief illness. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 54 years, Howard Kasting. LaVelle was born and raised in the Red Fork area of Tulsa. Her parents were Laura Mae and James Alexander. LaVelle attended Daniel Webster High School, where she met her husband Howard. LaVelle was strikingly beautiful, and was the very first Homecoming Queen at Daniel Webster. Although LaVelle was unaware, a young Howard was smitten as he observed her dancing around the maypole with classmates. From the fifth grade on, Howard's heart belonged to LaVelle, even though it was years later before she became aware of his secret affection for her. Theirs was a long and wonderful love story! LaVelle attended OU, and Howard graduated from the Engineering program at Oklahoma A+M, now OSU. Upon graduation, Howard was assigned to work for Boeing Aircraft in support of aircraft development in the Second World War. After marrying in 1944, they bravely left Tulsa for Seattle with 2 train tickets, $27 in their pockets, and a lifetime of love and hope ahead of them. Following the war, Howard's career saw company moves to Indiana, Illinois, and New Jersey. LaVelle worked for Mack Trucks as an executive secretary. Upon retirement, they returned to Tulsa, happily settling in among the oak trees in Jenks. When widowed, LaVelle moved to San Diego where she lived with her daughter and family. LaVelle was a wonderful mother and homemaker. She loved to read, write letters, garden and enjoyed a menagerie of pets over the years. In later years, her favorite companion was her little dog Molly. LaVelle is survived by two sons and a daughter, five grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. Sons are Richard Kasting of Lancaster, Pa, Dale Kasting of Jenks, and daughter Joyce Milus of San Diego, Ca. The family will receive friends Sunday 4pm - 6pm at Ninde Brookside Funeral Home. Services 2:00 P.M. Monday, March 15, 2010, at Memorial Park Cemetery Chapel. Interment will follow. It seems so appropriate that LaVelle will be laid to eternal rest alongside her beloved husband Howard, on his birthday. What a gift he will finally receive that day!