Avis Joy Bilyeu's Obituary
It is our humble honor to announce the passing of Avis Joy Bilyeu (Daughters). Avis was a farmer’s daughter of Lillian and Fred Daughters of Winner, South Dakota. A mix of Bohemian Czech, English and Irish she came from a farming family that worked the dirt, milked the cows, raised chickens, and canned the vegetables from the large garden next to the red barn to store them in the cellar for the cold winters. There were eight kids - you need a big cellar. Avis was one four girls and four brothers: Norma, Kathy, Jane, Russell, Dave, Roger & Donald. They all either walked or rode horses 3 miles to a one-room K-12 schoolhouse. Avis rode Shorty, which is apropos as Avis was 5’3” tall as an adult. Most of the time she shared it with her oldest sister Norma. Avis was the wife of Cecil Donald Reed Bilyeu from Decatur, Illinois. They met in Cheyenne, Wyoming, worked there way through Lincoln, Nebraska to Hartford, Connecticut to finally settle in Tulsa, Oklahoma where Avis and Cecil raised four children: Charles Dean, Cheryl Lynne, Michael Donald Reed and Annette Joy Bilyeu. Avis was a loving wife, a Den Mother for her sons, and a Troop Leader for her daughters and an avid cheerleader at all of her kids sporting events. Avis was a Registered Nurse at St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa in Labor & Delivery and NICU. Mom was also “The Maker” of the best chocolate peanut butter cups in the world. Most importantly, Mom was a loving wife, mother and friend who cared for everyone around her.
What’s your fondest memory of Avis?
What’s a lesson you learned from Avis?
Share a story where Avis' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Avis you’ll never forget.
How did Avis make you smile?

