Ava Marie Miller, born on February 18, 1942, in Brush, CO, peacefully left this world surrounded by love on December 1, 2023. She was the cherished daughter of Wayne and Betty Thompson.
A graduate of Snyder High School in 1960, Ava's life journey was marked by resilience and compassion. Following her high school graduation, she faced a year of challenges, battling a rare blood disease and undergoing surgeries at the Denver Hospital. Subsequently, she relocated to Culbertson to assist her grandmother. She spent years working as a CNA at Eben Ezer Care Center in Brush CO, then at St. Catherine’s Hospital in McCook, NE. It was there she met Maurice during his recovery. Their relationship became a beautiful marriage on March 22, 1970, and Ava dedicated the rest of her life to caring for her family in McCook, NE.
A devoted wife, Ava supported Maurice's carpentry business, managing books and handling phone calls. While raising their children, Cyndi, Craig, and Charity, she continued to extend her nurturing care to her elders. After the passing of Grandma Metz, Ava took on the responsibility of caring for Maurice's mother and stepfather. Her role as a grandmother brought her immense joy, a role she embraced until her final moments.
Ava was an active member of the First Assembly of God Church for the majority of her married life, finding community within its walls.
In her leisure time, Ava cultivated a love for gardening, experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, and indulging in various crafting pursuits. During her children's younger years, she showcased her sewing skills by creating all their clothes. In her later years, she found peace in birdwatching and reading, a passion she inherited from her mother.
Ava was preceded in death by her brother, James as well as her parents, Wayne and Betty.
She is survived by her loving husband, Maurice. She leaves behind a legacy of love through her children: Cyndi (Randy Kersch) of Spencer, NE; Craig Miller of McCook, NE; and Charity (Gabriel Clough) of Bradenton, FL. Ava's memory lives on through her grandchildren: Eli, Joshua (Rachel), Liz, Justin (Emily), Ana, Autumn, Selah, and Levi; she is also survived by her great-grandchild, Paisley. Ava will also be remembered with fondness by her brothers, Lee (Marquita) Thompson, Dale Thompson, and Harry (Linda) Thompson.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 7, 2023 from 10AM-6PM at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook. The family will greet friends from 4-6PM.
Friends and family are invited to celebrate Ava's life at a memorial service on Friday, 10:30AM, at the First Assembly of God Church in McCook, NE. The ceremony will be accompanied by the comforting melodies of "It Is Well with My Soul,” “Hymn of Heaven,” and “Run to the Father” echoing the peace that Ava has found in her eternal rest. Burial in Memorial Park Cemetery of McCook will follow services.
May her gentle soul rest in everlasting peace.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Gideon's International in Ava's memory. Friends may leave online condolences at herrmannfh.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook.