Avis Elaine (Bell) Rothe passed away on October 7, 2016 with family by her side, at Cedar Village in Ness City. Avis was born on November 15, 1925 in Dodge City, the daughter of Ralph Wells Bell and Laura (Johnson) Bell.
Avis grew up on a farm south west of Dodge City and attended South Hopewell Grade School, and Dodge City High School.
In 1936 Avis’ mother passed away, Avis helped raise her younger brother Louis.
In 1947 Avis was introduced to Grover Rothe by her sister Gladys, they were Married on April 1, 1948, in Ness City. This marriage united two families. Grover’s daughter Linda, and Avis’ son R.D.
Avis was a homemaker, very well known for her cooking, and candy making. Avis made candy for many weddings through the years. She and Grover enjoyed spending time with their family, friends and neighbors; the coffee pot was always on for company. She also enjoyed gardening, canning the vegetables, and sewing. Avis also enjoyed going flying with her son. She was a member of the Rosedale Club.
Avis was a Mother, Grandmother, and also welcomed her nephew Ben and niece Joy Carpenter to the home, who moved from Canada to attend their senior year of high school in Ness City.
Survivors include one son, R.D. Rothe of Ness City; daughter, Linda and husband, Gary Harkness of Larned; grandchildren, Travis, Ness City, Scott and Tina, Larned; a brother, Louis and wife Pat Bell, San Jose CA; a niece, Pamela Johnson, CA; a nephew, David Bell, CA; and one special niece, Joy McCoy, Ness City, who she considered to be another daughter.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband. Grover, and sister Gladys.
Graveside service will be held Monday, October 10th at 2:30 p.m. at the Ness City Cemetery.
Honoring Avis’ wishes there will be no viewing. Friends may sign the book at Fitzgerald Funeral Home on Sunday from 10:00 A.M. until 9:00 P.M. and on Monday from 9:00 A.M. until noon. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Cedar Village.