Avis Story

Avis Ordell Story passed away on October 2, 2019, in Ronan.  She was born on November 26, 1937, in Jackson, Minnesota, to Ole and Inga Hammer.  She attended school in Jackson, graduating from Jackson High School in 1956.

She married Robert Story in 1957, in Park Rapids, Minnesota, and they moved to Windom where they bought a farm and raised a family until 1980, when Bob retired from farming.  They had spent several summers prior traveling and exploring the states between Minnesota and Washington, looking for the perfect spot to retire.  They decided on Ronan, Montana.

They had an auction, sold the farm, and moved their entire family to Montana.  Bob retired and Avis spent her years involved in the community, giving her time to Faith Lutheran Church, driving for the Council on Aging, visiting local assisted living and skilled nursing facilities, spending time at the Senior Center.  Their retirement was filled with exploring The West, watching girls’ basketball, volunteering, and enjoying their new-found friendships.

Avis is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Bob, and their infant daughter, April Ann Story.

Surviving Avis are her children and their spouses Neal and Ruth Story of Three Forks, MT, Marlous and Mike Bleazard of Washington, UT, Robin and Marty Asay of Baker, MT, and Annette and Todd Gasser of Butte, MT; her grandchildren Madeline, Anna, and Zack Story, Paul and Robert Bleazard, Alissa Miller, Amanda Lehmann, and Aaron Asay, Genevieve and Miles Gasser and great grandchildren Sienna, Raidyn, and River Bleazard, Jory, Tegan, Tucker, and Emmalyn Miller, Colby and Austin Lehmann; her brothers Ernie (Fran), Darel, Doug, and Kenny (Shirley) Swenson, several nieces and nephews, extended family, and many wonderful friends.

A very special thank you to her wonderful neighbors, The Deckers, The Duffeys, and The Winebrenners who were always there to help in any way and to look after her when we couldn’t.  We will forever be grateful to you for your kindness and friendship.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 9, 2019, at 2 o’clock at Faith Lutheran Church, 406 5th Avenue SW, in Ronan.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to organizations close to Avis’ heart: Faith Lutheran Church, Intermountain, 3240 Dredge Drive, Helena, MT, 59602, or to a veterans’ charity of your choice.