Luva Raye Kaivo

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, Luva Raye (Creason) Kaivo, who passed away peacefully on December 5th, 2024, at the age of 74, at the family home in Montesano after an extended illness.

Born on March 27, 1950, in Seattle, she was adopted as the only child of Edwin Jack and Argent Nancy Creason (who preceded her in death). She grew up in Ketchikan, AK, attending elementary school, until the age of 12. She and her parents then moved to Kent, WA, where she graduated from Kent Meridian High school. She continued on with her education at the University of Washington. In her junior year she met her future husband and soul mate, Ken Kaivo. They married in July of 1971, and started their journey of 53 years together in South Bend, WA. In 1972, they moved to Montesano, first renting a house until purchasing their first home. A year later they had their first daughter, Kamela. Eleven short months later they welcomed their second daughter, Rebecca. Six years later they welcomed the first-born son, Jakob. The baby of the family, Joshua, came nine years later and completed the family. Luva was complete. She was a loving wife and a devoted mother to her children.

Growing up she was part of the International Order of Rainbow joining Kent Assembly. As an active member she served as Worthy Advisor and as a Grand Representative. She was honored with the Grand Cross of Color award for her service to others. As an alumnus she continued to be involved in supporting the members giving of her time and talents whenever possible. Luva participated in many other volunteer activities throughout her adult years as well. She was a classroom volunteer, den mother for cub scouts, head of Brownie troop and Girl Scouts, and involved with Montesano Girls Fastpitch and Baseball. She was always in the stands or on the sidelines for each of her kids no matter what was going on. She was their biggest fan. 

She had various jobs throughout the years including: Sales at a Kent fabric store, Campfire Counselor at Camp Kirby, gastroenterology, home health care, and engraving nameplates for electrical control panels 

Luva lived a fulfilling life and was a woman of many talents. She had a passion for cooking and baking, and her homemade dishes were always the highlight of family gatherings. She also had a green thumb and loved tending to her garden, which was always in full bloom. She enjoyed reading books and solving crossword puzzles in her free time. She was an excellent seamstress and was talented at crochet, taking special joy in delivering handmade gifts. She loved to travel and took several cruises with her husband to Alaska to visit her childhood hometown. She also had a love for the warm sun and beaches of the Caribbean, taking cruises with her family. She had many memorable trips to Disneyland (the Tiki room being her favorite), Disney World, and Hawaii. Luva also enjoyed travelling with Ken to his various NECA and JATC conventions and retreats and made many lifetime friends. When not travelling she loved gathering at the lake cabin each summer with family and friends. 

She was a loving and supportive grandmother to all of her granddaughters. Following all their endeavors whether it was sports, her favorite being fastpitch season, basketball, cross country, bowling, lacrosse, track and field, volleyball, dance recitals, band concerts and plays. Whatever they were involved in, she was either there in person rooting them on, or calling later to see how they did, with the same enthusiasm she had had while her own kids were growing up and involved in their adventures. She just carried on with just as much love. Gram or Nam, as she was affectionately called by her grands, was looking forward to sharing that same energy, love and compassion with her next generation due in January. 

Luva loved to shop. Whether window shopping or actually strolling the mall or little shops she just liked taking in all the sights and seeing everything. 

Luva was a kind and generous soul, always putting others’ needs before her own. Her love and compassion extended to all those who knew her, and she will be remembered for her infectious smile and warm personality. Her laughter, stories, momisms, traditions will be carried on and cherished.

She is survived by her loving husband Ken Kaivo of the family home; her children Kamela Kaivo of Montesano, Rebecca (Troy) Zvono of Aberdeen, Jakob Kaivo of Olympia, and Joshua Kaivo of Tacoma; her grandchildren Emma Kaivo-Houlton of Bellingham, Carly Kaivo-Houlton, Maddi Kaivo-Houlton of Montesano and Kylie Zvono of Aberdeen; and bonus grandchild Allye Troseth of Aberdeen, who will all miss her dearly.

At this time there is no service planned. A celebration of her amazing life will be announced at a later date. Please take a moment to share your memories or notes of condolence with the family at www.fernhillfuneral.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Twibell’s Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen, WA. 

Rest in peace, Luva, mom, Gram. You will forever be in our hearts and memories.