Laverne (Martin) Hedges

Laverne Hedges, age 90, of Seiling, Oklahoma, passed away on March 13, 2026. She was born on January 30, 1936, in Canton, Oklahoma, to Richard Thomas Martin and Oleta Kathleen Billings Martin.

Born and raised in Canton, Laverne attended grade school and high school in Seiling, graduating in 1954. She later attended Oklahoma Panhandle State University. On December 26, 1954, she married the love of her life, Darwin Hedges, at the Hedges family farm two miles east of Seiling. Together they built a life centered around family, faith, and service.

Over the years, Laverne and Darwin lived in several communities across northwest Oklahoma, including Goodwell, Woodward, Guymon, and Boise City, before residing in Paul’s Valley, Oklahoma, North Little Rock, Arkansas, and eventually returning to Seiling. As a devoted homemaker, Laverne also worked as a secretary for an oil and gas leasing company and later as a jewelry salesperson. She found joy in gardening, square dancing, and volunteering. With Darwin, she founded the Mexico Children’s Mission, served faithfully at the Seiling Food Pantry, and was an active member of the First Christian Church.

Laverne and Darwin shared nearly 69½ years of marriage and raised a loving family. She was a proud mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Bud Martin, her husband Darwin Hedges, and her infant son Stuart Hedges.

She is survived by her sons Steven Hedges and wife Colinda of Seiling, Oklahoma; Scott Hedges and wife Mary of Nashville, Tennessee; and Stanley Hedges and wife Darby of Goshen, Arkansas. She is also survived by her sisters Nora Weber of Claremore, Oklahoma; Gracie Lindsey of Hopkinsville, Kentucky; Shirley Ross of Canton, Texas; Barbara and Mack McGaughey of Pasadena, Texas; and Ann and Bill Beaton of Scott City, Kansas, along with eight grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and many beloved family and friends.

Laverne will be remembered for her generous spirit, deep faith, and the love she shared so freely with her family and community.