Ronald R. Avey, age 74, left the loving care of his family to peacefully begin his journey home to be with the Lord on Monday, February 1, 2016 while working on the acreage he loved, outside Lawrence, Kansas.
Ron was born July 1, 1941 in Adair, IA the son of Carl Avey and Elsie (Elsberry) Pollock. He was the youngest of 4 siblings.
He graduated Atlantic High School in 1959. He furthered his education at The University of Nebraska-Kearney. Throughout his career he worked in Atlantic, IA, Council Bluffs, IA, and Holdrege, NE, which led him to working as a consultant in repackaging pharmaceuticals in California and Nebraska. He was a brilliant resource for information and leadership advice. Ron loved his employees and enjoyed encouraging and leading them every day.
He was a member of Trinity Family of Faith Lutheran Church in Basehor, KS and Mt Calvary Lutheran Church in Holdrege, NE. He loved many through the fellowship of our Lord. He enjoyed keeping busy with his acreage and handyman duties, including fixing refurbished furniture with his wife, Connie.
He loved to make people laugh with his wit and humor and served as a remarkable example for his family as a devoted husband and loving father.
He married Connie (Paulsen) Avey on September 3, 1972. They enjoyed 43 years of blissful marriage.
Survivors include his wife, Connie, three children, Jay and Mandy of Belton, MO, Marissa Ayotte and Chris of Lincoln, NE, and Nicholas and fiancé Stephanie of Lawrence, KS; 7 grandchildren, Haley, Austin, TJ, Anisten, Mike, Zach, and Justin; one brother, Maynard Avey. He leaves behind to cherish his memory many other relatives and friends who loved him dearly. He is preceded in death by his parents and two of his siblings, Gerald Avey and Betty Turk.
His funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 6 at Trinity Family of Faith Lutheran Church, 16928 Evans Road, Basehor, KS. Open visitation will be at 10:00 AM followed by the service at 11:00 AM. Interment will be held at a later time at Anita Evergreen Cemetery in Anita, IA.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions made to the Trinity Family of Faith Lutheran Church in Basehor, Kansas, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Connie.
Connie and Nick! We are so deeply saddened by Ron’s passing. I felt like your house was my second home growing up. I remember babysitting Nick and sometimes coming over to laugh at that special wedding picture you had. That memory I will always remember and cherish and that you would laugh with me, thank you. There was never a time that you didn’t welcome my family into your home. But, you were our family and still are. Thank you for the great memories and for always being the super people that you were and are. Ron will be forever missed, but as you said, he’s picking up golf balls with Keith! We’re keeping you in our prayers! Love always to you and Nick and family!
Connie, Nick and family: our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of great sorrow. I always enjoyed working with Ron and know he is now working with his Lord and
Savior. May you all gain comfort from your faith in God.
Nick and Family- I’m so sorry for your loss, I will be keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Connie
I’m so sorry to hear about Ron. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Connie, Nick, and Family. I am so sorry for your loss and will keep all of you in my prayers. Having spent many years growing up next to Ron, Connie, and Nick, I have nothing but fond memories of all of the fun things we did together. Ron had such a great personality and was so fun to be around including the fishing, car washing, dinners, etc. He was so supportive of my sister and I and could really make us smile. I still remember driving up to my house after winning the district basketball championship and seeing a massive sign that Ron had made hanging across the front of the house that read something like “Congratulations Brian, and good luck at State!!” Just a very special man that will be greatly missed by all of us. Love all of you and please let me know if there is anything I can do for you.
Connie, Nick, and family,
We are shocked and saddened to hear of Ron’s passing. I hope you feel the love and prayers for you all.
So many!
This year, marks 18 years that we moved to Holdrege and purchased Ron and Connie’s home as they began the next chapter of their life together. With this transaction, we gained our family home and lifelong friends! When we think of Ron (as well as Connie), it can be best described through a simple phrase – “The Power of Presence.” Ron and Connie both exude goodness in their hearts for others and their “Presence” is a gift from God. Our hearts ache for the family during this difficult time and in the last days we are reminded of our friend, Ron’s presence. Whether it is when we walk into our closet that he designed, open the kitchen cabinet that he built for the coffee pot, or watch Blare enjoy his game room – it feels good to still have part of Ron’s legacy with us!
Thinking of you….
Love, Ryan, Jody and Blare
Ron was a truly amazing human being. Optimistic, funny and devoted to Our Lord Jesus Christ. I will always remember his smile and humor. He could light up a room with his smile! Heaven has gotten a little more cheerful1 May God Bless his family and his many friends!!
Connie and family, So sorry for your lose. Ron was a very nice man and my son Dale thaught a lot of him. Prayers for all of you through this difficult time.
Connie, Nick and Family:
I’m stunned to get this news – and so very saddened. I’m praying for all of you that Our Lord may give you His peace. I greatly enjoyed working with Ron at BD and having the opportunity to share worship with you all at Mt. Calvary.
In Christ,
Julie Maaske
Most sincere sympathies to the Avey family. We at MedVantx are very sad to hear the news of Ron’s passing. Ron was a valued colleague and his efforts made a significant contribution to our company. Many of us worked closely with Ron in San Diego and Sioux Falls and we remember him fondly for his energy, wit and subject matter expertise in the world of pharmaceuticals. Our thoughts and prayers are with Connie and the Avey family as you mourn his passing.
As a customer of EPM, there is a tremendous void in my daily activities now. I always looked forward to calling Ron knowing that no matter the situation at work or home or the world around us, we would talk, laugh about things and move on in a better light. Always eager to help any way he could, with a tremendous personality he will be missed greatly by all who had the fortune of knowing him.
Connie, Missy and the whole family: I am so sorry for your loss. I am praying for you all during this difficult time.
Victoria (Ayotte) Brown
Connie, Nick, and family. I’m so sorry to hear of Ron’s passing and am confident he has already shared a few laughs with our Lord. May his arms be wrapped around your entire family in this time or sorrow and may he continue to squeeze you gently as a reminder of his presence.
We miss you Ron..Thank you for everything…
So sorry for your loss Connie, Nick and family. He was such a wonderful man. May your memories be a comfort to you as they can never be taken from you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now and in the days to come.
My heart goes out to you Connie, Nick and family. Ron means a lot to me as a friend and as my boss….. my heart hurts. He will be missed so very much by all of us at EPM. He was loved by us all.
Love you Connie xo