AVA CAROLINE FACER MICHAELSON

Ava Caroline Facer Michelson passed away November 28, 2011 at the Idaho State Veterans Home. She was 73.

Ava was born September 16, 1938 in Malad, Idaho. She was the 7th of 8 children born to Moyle and Elizabeth Facer. She attended school in Malad and on June 27, 1955 she married Lorenzo (Ren) Edwards. Together they had five children, Denise, Bruce, Marla, Vance and Rebecca. They later divorced.

Ava returned to school and after completing her GED, she enrolled in the nursing program at Idaho State University and received her LPN nursing degree in 1969. She went to work at what was then known as the Bannock Memorial Hospital and she spent many years working in surgery. Her career in nursing gained her many life-long friends. She also worked for a time at the union Pacific Railroad and Intermountain Beverage.

On November 2, 1974 she married Robert J. Michaelson. With this union Ava gained three more children, Von, Debra and Jalene. Together they became one big, happy family. There was always an adventure to be had.

Ava was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother. There were many memorable family camping and fishing trips. She loved to spend time with her family making tomato juice and salsa. She was always there to cheer her grandchildren on at a game or any endeavor they were involved in. She taught them many “grammar” lessons as she called them. She was blessed with 11 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. She really enjoyed traveling with Bob and her sister and brother-in-law Demona and Don Evans. She and Bob spent many hours quilting and growing roses. They grew the most beautiful roses.

Ava had the biggest smile and she was loved by everyone who knew her. She is survived by her children: Denise (Steve) Walker; Marla (Brent) Arnold; Vance (Lorri) Edwards, Rebecca Seibert; Von (Laurie) Michaelson; Debra (Brent) Moore and Jalene (Jim) Phillips. Also surviving are her 11 grandchildren; two sisters, Demona and Patricia, and two brothers, Roger and Mark. She was preceded in death by her husband Robert, her son, Bruce Edwards, her parents and three siblings.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the wonderful CNAs at the Idaho State Veterans Home. Your love and care of our mother made her time there bearable. Kaleb, Deedee, Lory, Dawn, and Lindsey, we will be grateful to you forever. Also, many thanks to Darcel Cook for taking care of the mountains of paperwork.

You will always be in our hearts, Mom. We love you and miss you. You were our rock.

Memorial services were held December 3, 2011 at Colonial Funeral Home. A gathering of friends and family was held prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment followed services at Restlawn Memorial Gardens.