Joyce (Jody) Von Laven - Clayburg died peacefully in Billings, Montana on January 21, 2021. She was born Joyce Ann Makeever on June 10, 1933 to Harry and Mabel Makeever of Mason City, Iowa. She was the younger sister of Audrey Makeever Olson and Jack Makeever. In 1954, Jody married William Von Laven, a USAF navigator. They had four children who were raised mostly by Jody as she was widowed in 1968. Jody completed her college education and bought the Unique Reflection apparel shop in downtown Billings, Montana. She operated the shop for 26 years with daughter Lisa. During most of that time Jody was married to Montana native Willard Tieszen. After selling Unique Reflection, Jody relocated to Mesa, Arizona in 2006 and married high-school classmate William Clayburg. Upon his passing she returned to Billings in 2017. Jody was a life-long musician and played piano up until her last years.
Jody is survived by her sister Audrey Olsen, her four children, Scott Von Laven (Grettel), Julie Von Laven Canan (Jim), John Von Laven (Linda), and Lisa Von Laven, six grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.
Special thanks to the caregivers at MorningStar and TenderNest of Billings who cared for her these past several years.
Per Jody’s wishes, cremation has taken place and the family will have a private celebration of her life at a later date.
To share a memory or send a condolence gift, please visit the Official Obituary of Joyce Ann Clayburg hosted by Smith Funeral Chapel.