Missing woman from Cooper County found dead near car

Officials confirmed a 77-year-old Cooper County woman missing since mid-June was found dead in Benton County Sunday evening. Monday’s autopsy confirmed the woman’s body was that of Laverla Kistler. Early findings did not show signs of foul play.

Laverla was reported missing in a Silver Advisory issued on June 17. Authorities said Kistler has had no contact with family or friends since Tuesday, June 14. She was reported missing along with her silver 2004 Kia Sedona van and a dog from Mrs. Kistler’s home. The dog is as a terrier-dachsund mix and is reddish/brown in color and answers to the name of “Rusty.”

The Benton County Sheriff’s Office contacted Cooper County deputies Sunday evening about a sighting matching Kistler’s car in a remote area in Benton County.

The Cooper County Sheriff’s Department has confirmed the van matches the description of the car Kistler was believed to be driving.

Benton County deputies also confirmed a woman’s body was found nearby the van. A dog matching the description of Kistler’s dog was also found alive in the same area.