Ava Naomi (Fletcher) Heatwole

Ava Naomi (Fletcher) Heatwole of Overland Park, Kansas passed away peacefully on Monday, May 27, 2013. Ava was born on September 9, 1926 in Kinta, Oklahoma to Robert and Mary Fletcher. The youngest of 9 children, Ava grew up spoiled by her older siblings and because of that enjoyed being the fun loving center of attention! Ava could laugh until she cried and never knew a stranger. Ava and her sister Opal were quite entertaining together at family gatherings. Their stories were priceless. On June 9, 1950 Ava married Frank H. Heatwole and they had one son, Gary. Frank preceded Ava in death in February 1970. Gary and Ava lived in close proximity of extended family in the Turner, KS area until 1980 when Ava moved to Overland Park, KS. Ava was a PBX operator for Charles Brunning Company, retiring in the spring of 1984. Ava was very involved in the PBX Club of Kansas City, traveling to conventions all over the country for many, many years. This club and its members were very near and dear to her heart. Ava was a big country music fan. One of her favorites was George Strait. She and her girlfriends would travel the country to see his concerts. She has many mementos of those trips. Ava also enjoyed traveling to Las Vegas, Nashville and Branson with her group of lifelong friends. The pictures that she has shared over the years show a group of friends enjoying life to the fullest! Ava will be very much be missed by her son Gary, daughter-in-law, Peggy and her two grandsons; Logan and Blake all of Kansas City. Ava also leaves her sister-in-laws; Ethel Fletcher Parret and Tene Fletcher and many nieces and nephews. Gary, Peggy and the boys would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Kathy and Norm Wilcox and the staff of The Gables and Grace Manor Assisted Living Facilities who showed so much love to Ava over the last years of her journey. Also, thanks to Colleen and Tracy of Catholic Community Hospice for the compassion shown to Ava in her final days. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 29, 2013 from 5:30 - 7:00pm. A funeral service will follow at 7:00pm, both will be held at Maple Hill Funeral Home. Burial will be held at Maple Hill Cemetery. To share a memory or to leave condolences, please visit www.maplehillfuneralhome.com.

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Ava Naomi (Fletcher) Heatwole

September 9, 1926 - May 27, 2013