Avalon "Avie" Reeves

Avalon Joyce Reeves, 76, of Paola, Kansas passed away on Tuesday, January 12th, 2010 at Olathe Medical Center surrounded by family. Visitation is 6-8 pm Thursday and memorial service at 10:30 a.m. Friday. All services will be at the Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, 305 North Pearl, Paola, KS 66071. Avalon was born March 4, 1933 in Spring Hill, Kansas to Francis A. "Barry" and Clara Helen Cover York. She graduated from Spring Hill High School in 1951. Later Avalon graduated with her BS from the first graduating Occupational Therapy class at the University of Kansas. She was united in marriage to Walton Kenneth Reeves Jr. on Aug. 6, 1960 in Spring Hill, Kansas. She and Kenny lived most of their married life in Paola. As an OTR, Avie was instrumental in getting legislation passed requiring Kansas nursing homes to comply with safety regulations as well as be licensed and inspected. She worked in local schools to help learning-challenged students. Later Avie was employed by Research Medical Center, retiring in 1990. She enjoyed traveling with her husband in their RV, knitting, genealogy, gardening, canning, watching football, and especially spending time with her family. Known as "Lonnie" to her teammates, she was an avid bowler as well. Avalon was a member of the Association of Occupational Therapists (AOTA), a Cub Scout, Girl Scout and Bluebird troop leader for many years. Avalon was a member of the First Baptist Church of Paola. Preceding her in death were two brothers, Charles L. York and Edwin Neil York. Surviving is her husband, Ken and daughter Laura Helen (Cuthbertson) Miller (Marty) of the home; son Kenneth "Dean" Reeves (Janis) of Roeland Park, Kansas; and son John "Christopher" Reeves (Becky) of Allen, Texas; six grandchildren, four great-grand children (with two on the way), and two brothers: Leland A. York of Louisburg, Kansas, and Robert Blair York of Council Bluffs, Iowa. The family wishes to thank the loving, skilled and compassionate staff at both Olathe Medical Center and DaVita Dialysis Care Center. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the National Kidney Foundation