Longtime Goodland resident and former Scott City resident, Avesta Mae McGrath, 82, passed away on Wednesday, March 1, 2023, at the Goodland Regional Medical Center in Goodland.
Avesta was born at home in Hartman, Colo., on Aug. 22, 1940, to Ray and Freda (Werley) Miller. She was one of six children. She attended school through the 12th grade in Holly, Colo.
On Sept. 7, 1958, Avesta married John Theodore McGrath at the First Methodist Church in Holly, Colo. To this union, five children were born — Becky, Sharon, Douglas, Janet and John.
Aside from raising her children, Avesta and John cared for numerous children in the foster care system during their eight years as foster parents in Scott City. Avesta also worked for the U.S. Census Bureau and delivered the Salina Journal newspaper for over 20 years. She was also a 4-H Leader where she taught knitting and crocheting, and was a member of the Rebekah Lodge.
Preceding her in death were her parents and her husband.
She is survived by her children Becky Young (Edwin Lewis) of Liberal; Sharon (Ron) Henry of Levant; Douglas McGrath of San Diego, Calif.; Janet (Craig) Lawson of Goodland; and John McGrath Jr. of Scott City. She is also survived by one sister, four brothers, seven grandchildren, one great-grandchild and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.