Elma Laver (nee Casey) was born in Clermont and grew up in rural Queensland. She completed her schooling at a convent in Clermont and at Maryborough Grammar before pursuing a nursing career at Hillcrest Hospital.
In 1930 Elma married William James Patteson, with whom she had three sons and one daughter. After her first husband died, Elma married Cliff Harold Laver and lived a country life in the Gogango area. When Cliff passed away Elma returned to Rockhampton.
Laver was associated with the Rockhampton Writers' Club and wrote many haiku poems, inspired by her study of Japanese literature.
