Ava Ruth McDonald Baxley

Ava Ruth McDonald Baxley was born in Visalia, California on April 17, 1912 to Arthur and Magdalena (Miller) McDonald. At the time of her passing she was 104 and at her home in Tulare where she resided for nearly 70 years.

Ava was raised and educated in Visalia. She graduated from Visalia High School in 1930. Her family owned and operated the 7-up Bottling Company for many years in Visalia. After high school, Ava attended cosmetology school in Fresno and returned to Visalia to open a beauty salon in Visalia and Ivanhoe. In her mid to late 20's, she participated on the Keeno Girls "Chicken Hawks" softball team. She enjoyed being active with friends in her free time.

On June 8, 1945, Ava and Willard Baxley were wed; they were married for 62 years. They established their home in Tulare where they were dairy farmers and raised two daughters: Barbara Ann and Catherine "Cathy" Elaine. They were members of the Western Dairymen's Association and the First Baptist Church of Visalia.

Ava volunteered much of her time as a Girl Scout leader, in various community service organizations, and foster parenting. Her hobbies included playing golf, arts and crafts groups, and card playing with local neighbors and friends. She was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Family involvement was very important to her as she attended many sporting events and activities, and hosted numerous holiday gatherings at her home.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill and daughter, Cathy. Her survivors include daughter Barbara Dawes (Keith) of Waukena, grandchildren, Ava Christine "Christy" Dawes of Tulare, Tim Dawes of South Dakota, Brandon Dawes (Jenn) of Utah, and Amy Burcham (Andy) of Utah, and 5 great grandchildren: Brock, Bailey, Grant, Ava, and Kaylinn.

A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held at Miller's Memorial Chapel in Visalia on Friday, August 5, 2016 at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Visalia Kaweah Delta Hospice.

Arrangements entrusted to Miller Memorial Chapel, 1120 W. Goshen Ave., Visalia, CA 93291 (559) 732-8371.