Barbara Avery, 78

Barbara Ann Avery, age 78, of Mendon, died unexpectedly Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2009.

She was born Aug. 16, 1931, in Illinois, a daughter of E. Gordon and Mary (Morrell) Male. Barbara graduated from Mendon High School with the class of 1949, and married Lloyd Avery on Aug. 30, 1956, in Mendon.

She was an Avon Products representative for many years. She had been employed as a secretary for the Huff-Riverview Agency, the Michigan Steak Company and the Mendon United Methodist Church, where she was also active in the choir.

Barbara made wedding cakes for several years and enjoyed oil painting. She also made holiday yard ornaments, baby dolls, and sewed and crocheted items for area craft shows. She was the editor of the former Mendon Activator newspaper, and corresponded with dozens of pen pals throughout the United States.

Barbara is survived by Lloyd, her husband of 53 years; four children and their spouses, Gordon and Debra Webb of Springport, Marvin and Joy Avery of Lebanon, Ohio, Al and Marlene Avery of Mendon, and Marjorie and Lonnie Mayo of Three Rivers; four grandchildren, Kiley Webb, Ashley Avery, Ryan Avery and Garret Avery; a brother, William (Ella) Male of Warsaw, Ind.; and four nieces, Martha, Mary, Ruth and Rebecca.

Cremation has been conducted. The family will receive friends from 3-5 p.m. Saturday at the Eickhoff Funeral Home in Mendon. A memorial service will be held at 5 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Clint Zehr officiating.

The family suggests that memorials be directed to the Mendon Public Library. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

An online register is available and condolences may be left at www.eickhofffuneralhome.com