Avis Marie Gravley

Avis Gravley, age 99, of Marshall, formerly of Russell, Minnesota, died peacefully surrounded by her family on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at the Avera Morningside Heights Care Center in Marshall. Funeral Services are 1:00 p.m. Saturday, June 29, 2024, at the Grace First Parish Church in Russell. Interment will follow in the Russell Cemetery. Visitation will take place on Friday, June 28, 2024, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Hamilton Funeral Home in Marshall. The evening will conclude with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will then resume one hour prior to her service, from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. at the church.

Avis Marie Gravley was born in Florence, Minnesota, on January 8, 1925. She was one of 15 children born to Theodore and Amelia (Wood) Rokeh. She attended a country school in Florence and Russell school district until the 8th grade. Even with money and food being stretched thin to accommodate the family of 17, Avis remembered her childhood fondly and loved to tell her children and grandchildren stories of her formative years.

Avis was united in marriage to Mr. Walter Gravley, Sr. on March 15, 1941, at the Methodist Church in Pipestone. To this union, four children were born, Walter Jr., Marv, Randy, and Val. Family was the most important part of Avis’ life. She found pride in being a mother, wife and homemaker. Family was Avis’ top priority and she enjoyed spending time together as a family, whether it be at one of her family’s homes, or one of the many vacations they took. Avis knew the importance of discipline, love, and faith. She was a phenomenal cook and could make a meal out of any ingredients she had. Her grandchildren will fondly remember making lefse and Kringla with Grandma Avis.

Avis was a volunteer driver and would often take individuals to appointments. In 1994, at the age of 70, Avis obtained her GED, an accomplishment she was immensely proud of. She was a very colorful and loving lady, and you always knew where Avis stood in her beliefs.

Following the passing of Walter Sr., Avis continued to live in Russell and enjoyed joining Val on her family vacations. At the age of 80, she flew on an airplane for the very first time. At the age of 90, Avis moved to Boulder Estates. In her free time, Avis enjoyed sewing, spending time at the lake, and especially shopping!

Avis died peacefully while surrounded by her family on Saturday, June 22, 2024, in Marshall, Minnesota. She had reached the age of 99 years, 5 months, and 14 days. Blessed be her memory.

Avis is survived by her 4 children, Walter Jr. (and Diane) Gravley of Russell, Marvin Gravley of Alexandria, Randy (and Joyce) Gravley of Russell, Valerie (and Steve) Hemingway of Naples, FL; 12 grandchildren, Daren (and Chelsey) Gravley, Brian Gravley, Jason Gravley, Erik (and Sarah) Gravley, Kara (and Walter) Stack, Josh (and Lissa) Gravley, Miranda (and Jason) Alberts, Amberlee (and Dustin) Thooft, Ramsey (and Jadeen) Gravley, Brittany (and Curt) Gosser, Lauren (and Jake) Seltz, Matthew Hemingway; 27 great-grandchildren; 1 sibling, Verlyn (and Nollie) Rokeh of Orlando, FL; sister-in-law, Marcella Rokeh of Flandreau, SD; numerous nieces and nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Theodore and Amelia Rokeh; husband, Walter Gravley Sr.; daughter-in-law, Janet Gravley; and 13 siblings.