Ava Lenora Deets, 88, of Burden, Kansas, passed away early Tuesday morning, December 20, 2016 at William Newton Hospital in Winfield.

Born February 28, 1928 in Dexter, Kansas, she was the daughter of Herbert Clinton and Bernice (Williams) Trobaugh. She was raised and received her education in the Dexter area graduating from Dexter High School in 1945. Ava worked as a switchboard operator, living in a boarding house, while attending high school.

She was united in marriage to Vernon Cecil Deets on July 10, 1946 in Winfield. The couple made their first home on a farm in rural Dexter and in 1951, moved to the Burden area. After moving to Burden, Ava began working in the office for Southern Kansas Telephone Company. She later worked as a switchboard operator for the Winfield State Hospital. She remained at the state hospital for many years, retiring as the head Payroll Clerk in 1993. Vernon preceded her in death on October 18, 2007.

Ava was a member of Burden United Methodist Church where she served as Secretary for United Methodist Women and was on the church Outreach Committee. She was on the Board of Directors for SOS, served as Secretary and Treasurer of the NG Club and also served as Treasurer for Burden Senior Citizens. She enjoyed gardening, African Violets, traveling, dancing and helping her husband on the farm. She especially enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Her family includes:
Her son: Dale Deets and wife, Heather of Burden;
Her daughter: Julie Hutchinson and husband, Raymond of Arkansas City;
Her sister: Ethel Gates of Winfield;
Her 7 grandchildren: Stetson Deets, Coty Deets, Michelle Hutchinson, Rachele Green, John Kidd, Nicholas Hutchinson and Isaac Hutchinson; and
Her 19 great grandchildren.

In addition to her parents and husband, Ava was preceded in death by her brothers, Robert, Raymond, Les and Kenneth, a sister, Dorothy and a great granddaughter, Lisa Marie Kidd.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 23, 2016 at 10:00 A.M. at Burden United Methodist Church. Interment will follow at Dexter Cemetery. Miles Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials have been established in Ava's name for the Burden United Methodist Church and Joseph's Storehouse. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.