Barbara Jean Avis
August 20, 1946 — May 6, 2017
Barbara Jean Avis, 70, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, died Saturday, May 6, 2017, at St. Luke’s Hospital. Services: 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 10, 2017, at the Cedar Hills Community Church, Cedar Rapids. Family will greet friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 9, at the church. Arrangements by Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cedar Rapids.
Survivors include her husband of 50+ years, Allan; children, Bruce (Carol) Avis of Blairstown, Iowa, and Lisa (Mark) Stilwell; four grandchildren, Elizabeth Avis, Danika, Devin and Peyton Stilwell; siblings, Marjorie (Cleon) Jones of Washington, Toni (Larry) Murphy of Texas; James (Mary) McDade of Cedar Rapids and John (Jodi) McDade of Alburnett, Iowa.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and infant brother, Robert.
Barbara was born August 20, 1946, the daughter of Harold and Marjorie (Anderson) McDade, in San Diego, California. A graduate from Jefferson High School, she was united in marriage to Allan Avis in Cedar Rapids. Barbara was a home daycare provider and then became owner of Lily Pad Child Care for 20 years. Barbara was a member of the Cedar Hills Community Church.
Her love and dedication to children was a passion for her. She had the patience of a saint and would nurture, mentor, live and support whether it was the kids at daycare, her children and grandchildren or nieces and nephews. They all hold a special place in their hearts for just Barb.
Her love of sewing, quilting and other crafts reflected her spirit. Barb’s creativity was amazing. She had the ability of making something beautiful out of nothing. Barb was a very special person who touched the lives of many. She was the most unselfish, giving person and this was evident in her relationships and bonds with others. She was always there for you, regardless! Barb was loved by and loved so many but none more than her daughter, Lisa, son, Bruce and husband, Allan. Then came her beloved grandchildren, Elizabeth, Danika, Devin and Peyton. She treasured her brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews and many, many good friends and was always willing to listen and comfort anyone who needed her. Barb will be forever in our hearts and we will miss her always.
Memorials may be directed to the family in memory of Barbara.
Survivors include her husband of 50+ years, Allan; children, Bruce (Carol) Avis of Blairstown, Iowa, and Lisa (Mark) Stilwell; four grandchildren, Elizabeth Avis, Danika, Devin and Peyton Stilwell; siblings, Marjorie (Cleon) Jones of Washington, Toni (Larry) Murphy of Texas; James (Mary) McDade of Cedar Rapids and John (Jodi) McDade of Alburnett, Iowa.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and infant brother, Robert.
Barbara was born August 20, 1946, the daughter of Harold and Marjorie (Anderson) McDade, in San Diego, California. A graduate from Jefferson High School, she was united in marriage to Allan Avis in Cedar Rapids. Barbara was a home daycare provider and then became owner of Lily Pad Child Care for 20 years. Barbara was a member of the Cedar Hills Community Church.
Her love and dedication to children was a passion for her. She had the patience of a saint and would nurture, mentor, live and support whether it was the kids at daycare, her children and grandchildren or nieces and nephews. They all hold a special place in their hearts for just Barb.
Her love of sewing, quilting and other crafts reflected her spirit. Barb’s creativity was amazing. She had the ability of making something beautiful out of nothing. Barb was a very special person who touched the lives of many. She was the most unselfish, giving person and this was evident in her relationships and bonds with others. She was always there for you, regardless! Barb was loved by and loved so many but none more than her daughter, Lisa, son, Bruce and husband, Allan. Then came her beloved grandchildren, Elizabeth, Danika, Devin and Peyton. She treasured her brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews and many, many good friends and was always willing to listen and comfort anyone who needed her. Barb will be forever in our hearts and we will miss her always.
Memorials may be directed to the family in memory of Barbara.
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