Nelda LaVonne Lear Bigelow was born in Wichita, Kansas on December 17, 1926. She was raised in Anthony, Kansas by her parents, John K. "Jack" and Effie (Morgan) Lear. Growing up during the Shirley Temple era, Lavonne became obsessed with dance. At an early age she began to tap dance and would attempt to teach anyone in sight how to dance.

After graduating from Anthony High School, she left her small town for big city life. She attended the American School of Ballet in Hollywood, California. She became employed by Arthur Murray Studios, where she broadened her dance styles, and began professional teaching dance. Soon she began touring as a dancer, traveling and entertaining troops, performing in various locations and at State Fairs. LaVonne and her dance partner starred in the dance show at the Royal Hawaiian as the leading show in the early 1950's.

She later worked out of the main Arthur Murray office in New York. She traveled around teaching Success classes at various Arthur Murray Studios overseeing the Sales Managers at those studios, increasing sales and performance. She was a top instructor and closer, selling the most lessons. While teaching at one of the Arthur Murray Dance Studios in Springfield, Missouri, she met her second husband, Britton George Bigelow. They were married on July 3, 1956 in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico.

Together LaVonne and Britton opened two independent dance studios in Springfield, Missouri. In 1958, they performed a Jitter Bug dance at the Tower Theater in Springfield, in which LaVonne performed a back flip. She truly had an amazing talent and was born to be an entertainer.

On May 16, 1960, LaVonne and Britton were blessed with their son, John Britton Bigelow. In May of 1961, they moved to Dallas, Texas. LaVonne and Britton parted ways, and LaVonne focused on raising their son, the joy of her life. She was a truly devoted, dedicated mother to John. She taught him how to dance and depended on him to help her instruct in her classes.

LaVonne's mother passed in 1951, so when her father became ill, she returned home to Anthony to care for him. During this time she opened a dance studio in Anthony, teaching many of her hometown children and adults a variety of dance styles. Shortly after her father passed she moved to Florida and continued her dancing career. She and her son, John, lived in Tamarac where she continued to teach dance, most recently through the Tamarac Community Center. Even after suffering from a broken hip and many months of rehabilitation she continued to teach dance.

Moving many times and traveling much of her life, LaVonne depended on the faith she learned as a child at her hometown Anthony Christian Church. After settling in Tamarac, she and John attended the Royal Palm Christian Church. She enjoyed Pastor Craig and the fellowship of the church.

In 2015, she suffered a concussion from another fall and sadly had to retire from teaching. On September 20, 2016, LaVonne passed away peacefully in her sleep at the home she shared with her son, John, in Tamarac, Florida, at the age of 89 years, 9 months and 3 days. She was preceded in death by her parents and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

LaVonne will be deeply missed by her son, John, who was always by her side; many cousins; numerous former students; and countless dear friends.

A memorial service was held at the Royal Palms Christian Church in Tamarac.

Graveside services will be held 2:00 p.m. Thursday, October 13, 2016 at the Forest Park Cemetery in Anthony, Kansas. Friends may register 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Opry Trust Fund and may be sent in care of the funeral home.

Prairie Rose Funeral Homes, 602 E. Main St., Anthony, KS 67003, is in charge of arrangements.