Laverne Franco (Ward)

September 28, 1957 – February 20, 2017

Laverne Franco (Ward), age 59, was born in Riverside County, California and passed away in Murrieta, California.  She lived on the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indian Reservation for more than fifteen years, where she worked as a Tribal Clerk.  She attended Banning High School in Banning, California.

Laverne was widowed to Frank D. Franco and is survived by five daughters; Melissa A. Franco, Desiree Franco, Rachel Franco, Renicia L. Smith and Omaovensi Coochwytewa. Two sons; Edwin R. Ward (Sonny Franco) and Darren Hill, Sr.  Nine grandsons; Steven, Micah, Donavan, Edward, Isaiah, Douglas, Frankie, Darrin Jr., and Ayden. Seven granddaughters; Mejaumi, Onya, Skyla, Malia, Maria, Antanelle and Darla; and one great grandson Naswet.  Four brothers, three sisters and many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and “Aumi” to many Torres Martinez Youth.

Church services will be Friday, March 10, 2017 at 5:30pm – 7:00pm officiated by her brother Pastor Alvin Ward, followed by an all-night traditional wake, on the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indian Reservation, 66-725 Martinez Road, Thermal, California 92274.  Church services will be Saturday, March 11, 2017 at 8:30am – 10:00am.  Burial will follow at the Catholic Cemetery on the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indian Reservation.