Mary Avila

December 2, 1925 - January 29, 2016

Mary Avila of Las Cruces, New Mexico, formerly of Rocky Ford, Colorado, passed away on January 29, 2016. Mary was born on December 2, 1925 in Morley, Colorado to Roman and Alicia Sanchez. She grew up in La Junta and moved to Rocky Ford when she married Frank Avila. Together they had 3 children, Mary Lou (Dan) Garcia, Robert (Carol) Avila, and Jo Ann(Peter) LIchty. She has 6 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Mary was preceded in death by her brother, Steve Sanchez, her sisters Teresa Trujillo, and Priscilla O'Dowd. She is sister-law to Margaret Padilla formerly of Rocky Ford. Mary enjoyed her career as a nurse beginning at Physician's Hospital, transferring to Pioneer Memorial Hospital and eventually retiring as Dr. McKittrick's Nurse. Mary and Frank traveled to Europe, Canada, and Mexico. She also traveled extensively throughout the United States. Later she traveled with a church group to Israel which was one of her most memorable experiences. Mary liked exercising and walking was her favorite pastime. During these walks, she would often meet and greet neighbors and friends. She enjoyed volunteering at the food bank and donating her time to her church. Service arrangements are planned for Friday, February 5, at St. Peter's Catholic Church. A rosary will be recited at 10:30 am followed by a mass at 11:00 am. Interment will be at the Rocky Ford Cemetery followed by a reception at the Parish Hall. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ford-Ustick Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to www.fordustick.com.