Vanda Laree VanMeter, age 86, of Leitchfield, KY, passed away Saturday, (September 14, 2019) at Grayson Manor Nursing Home in Leitchfield.

She was born on October 5, 1932 in Grayson County, KY, the daughter of the late D.T. and Tora Watkins Haycraft. She was a member of the Leitchfield First Baptist Church and served as a past Worthy Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star.

Laree was a former co-owner, along with her husband, Guy, and her son, Don, of the Ben Franklin Store in Leitchfield. In recent years, she was a committed volunteer at Twin Lakes Regional Medical Center, where she was widely known for her "sock monkeys", which she gave to young patients there.

She is survived by her son, Don VanMeter (Rowena) of Greenville, KY; one sister, Marcella Cummings (Johnny) of Brownsville, KY; a step-granddaughter, Terri Oakley (Nick) of Greenville, KY; and two step-great grandchildren, Addi and Taylor Dukes. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Other than her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Guy VanMeter; one sister, Edwina Anderson Brown; and one brother, David Eugene Haycraft.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, (September 17, 2019) at the Dermitt Funeral Home in Leitchfield. Bro. Doug King will be officiating. Burial will be in the Fairview Cemetery.

Visitation will be at the Dermitt Funeral Home from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday and from 9:00 a.m. Tuesday until time of services.

An Eastern Star Service will be held at the Dermitt Funeral Home on Monday, (September 16, 2019) at 5:30 p.m.