Alicia Avila, a beautiful wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend was greeted by God, family and friends, who welcomed her into God’s Kingdom on Oct. 8, 2021.
Alicia was born in Montana to parents Jose and Leandra Lopez Avelar. She was the eldest of 10 children. Her siblings are Martha Alfaro, Magdalena Hernandez, Ricardo Avelar♱, Aurora Estrada, Jose Avelar Jr., Juanita Guerrero♱, Armando Avelar♱, Ana Johnson, and Susana Rodriguez.
Alicia was raised in Crystal City, Texas where she met and married her husband Tomas J. Avila♱. She left the state of Texas as a new bride and moved to San Diego, Calif., where Tomas was stationed in the Navy. As a newly married couple, they began their family and had six children: Linda Kasinger, Tom Avila, Alfonso Avila♱, Lisa Rohleder, Jeff Avila, and David Avila. She was preceded in death by her husband Tomas J. Avila after 22 years of marriage.
Alicia held strong and passionate beliefs, defending those she loved and always seeking to better herself. She lived in California for 16 years before moving back to Texas, and then ultimately to Goodland, Kan., - Home! While living in Goodland, Alicia earned her GED. She found employment with the State of Kansas at the Department of Human Resources office in Goodland. She later transferred to Garden City, at the end of her career with the state. Alicia received several awards and honors before retiring after 25 years of employment there.
Alicia enjoyed traveling, concerts, and good times with her friends and family. She was constantly on the go! She was an active member of the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish Catholic Church. She was devoted to her Christian faith, loved her Bible study groups, and was extremely proud to participate in various fundraisers with her sisters and fellow parishioners. You can never go wrong selling Mexican food at the fair or selling food plates for charity.
Alicia was very proud of her family. She gleamed with happiness that each of her children were successful, independent, and self-sufficient. The greatest gift her children gave her was grandchildren - Christine Badillo, Tommy Jr. Avila, Ryan Avila, Brent Avila, Sadie Avila, Drake Rohleder, Derek Rohleder, Luke Avila and great-grandchildren - Elias Skipton♱, Ben Badillo, Brooklyn Avila, David Rohleder, and Bronsen Avila.
“Blessings” – May the Lord Bless and Protect you, may the Lord’s face radiate with joy because of you, may he be gracious to you, show you his favor and give you peace.