Obituary of Ava Jean Ellers Munza

Ava Jean Ellers Munza, 91, of Montana Mines, WV passed away on Saturday, December 9, 2023 at her residence surrounded by family. She was born January 28, 1932 in Grafton, WV a daughter of the late Loris Glen and Helena O. Hawkins Ellers. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Munza and her sister, Ruth Ann Hunt Deavers. Ava attended the Victory Baptist Church and was a member of the Montana Mines United Methodist Church until its closing. She obtained her certification as a home health aide and retired as the resident manager of the Friendly Homes personal care home. She was a lifelong caregiver and provided support for many people over the years. She was a member of the Montana Improvement Association and enjoyed crafting, crocheting, writing poetry, and working her daily crossword puzzle. Ava enjoyed all kinds of music, singing and playing piano, and knew almost any hymn and even show tune. She dressed “to the nines” without spending a fortune, and always had the perfect piece of jewelry and lipstick to “set off” every outfit. It was common to see her out being active with her children and grandchildren, but at the end of the day she always loved coming home to spend time with her feline friend Bitty. Ava is survived by her children, Lori Ellen (Eric) Toothman of Madison, OH, formerly of Monongah, Ricky Alan (Julie) Munza of Idamay, and Tracey Jean (Lance) Beckley of Fairmont, her grandchildren: Jared A. (Ashley) Toothman, Jeremy D. (Marissa) Munza, Jonathan D. (Ariel) Munza, Ciara J. Toothman, Jacen C. Beckley, and Christian L. Beckley, as well as her great-grandchildren: Annie, Adicyn “Ady”, Aria, Aubri, and Rhiannon. Ava is also survived by several nieces and nephews, as well as her sister-in-law and dear friend, Helen Spevock. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Victory Baptist Church, PO Box 1799, Fairmont, WV, 26555 or to WVU Hospice, 12 Rousch Drive, Westover, WV 26501. The family has entrusted the arrangements to Ford Funeral Home, 201 Columbia Street, Fairmont, WV. Friends and family are welcome to visit on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 from 2PM until 8PM. In accordance with her wishes, cremation services will follow. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2PM on Sunday, January 28, 2024, on her birthday, at Victory Baptist Church. Interment will be held on January 28, 2024 at the Montana Mines Cemetery. Online condolences may be made to www.fordfuneralhomes.com.