Avella
Jane Highland
Avella Jane Highland, 89, of Grand Island, died Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at Country House Residence of Grand Island.
To honor her wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no
visitation. A graveside service and burial of her ashes will be
at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 10, 2011 in the Grand Island City Cemetery. Dan
Naranjo will officiate. All Faiths Funeral Home is in charge of
the arrangements.
Avella was born February 15, 1922 in Alliance, Nebraska, the daughter of Walter and Ruby (Bradley) Becker.
Those left to cherish her memory include two daughters and son’s-in-law, Donna Barger and Leonard Wostrel of Creighton, NE, and Susie and Jim Osberg of Minneapolis, MN; sisters, Clarice Olson of White Bear Lake, MN and Betty Jo Holtzclaw of California.
She is also remembered by three grandchildren, Randy Barger of Waverly, NE, Matt (Alissa) Osberg of Minneapolis, and Sarah (Rodney) Osberg Binfet of Minneapolis; two great grandchildren, Nick Barger and Dylan Osberg; her much loved nieces and nephews; and loyal friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 46 years, Wayne Highland; and sisters, Leonore Giese and Eileen Stuart.
Avella’s purpose in life was providing care for her immediate and extended family. She was raised as one of five sisters. These sisters and their families were very important to Avella throughout her life. The number of picnics, Christmas’s and other celebrations, centered around these family members, cannot be counted.
Avella was united in marriage to Wayne Highland on June 5, 1941, in Grand Island. She loved to bake and was renowned for her excellent home cooking. During her marriage and life with her family, Avella made a cake nearly every day. She did this to please not only her husband, but also as a treat for anyone who stopped by or for her bridge clubs.
Avella was an avid bridge player and earned a Life Masters Award for her excellence. She enjoyed the game itself, as well as the many friends she made along the way. During her last years, Avella was grateful for her continued involvement in the Grand Island Woman’s Club.
Avella’s enjoyments also included her travels within the United States and many other countries, such as China, Australia, and Africa.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to AseraCare Hospice.