Hazel Jean Avenetti

With her family at her bedside, Hazel Jean Avenetti died just before midnight on Sunday, August 27, 2017, at her home in Vernon, Apache County, Arizona.  Only 10 days prior, she had celebrated her 70th birthday.  Jean, as she was known by all, was born on a Sunday, August 17, 1947, in Risco County, Missouri to her parents, the late John Dudley and Opal Lee (Strong) Mask.Jean was a graduated member of Risco High School's Class of 1966.  Eager to try her newly sprouted wings, Jean flew the coop right after her graduation.  She married her Forever Sweetheart, Trevor Gordon Avenetti on a Friday, January 6, 1967, in Tucson, Arizona.  The happy couple most recently celebrated their 50th, Golden Wedding Anniversary, together.  After a dedicated collegiate tenure, both in California and Arizona, Jean received her Bachelor's Degree. With her degree, many doors were opened for her and she began a lifelong career working with, and caring for, children.  Whilst living in the beauty of the White Mountains, She worked for a number of years at Vernon Elementary with special needs children.  She was phenomenal at what she did and made friends wherever she was.  Young or old, she was loved by many.  Later, Jean went to work for Northland Therapy Service.  While working for Northland, she had the opportunity to teach parents how to deal and care for their children's special needs.  Her example of kindness will be missed by everyone whom has had the privilege to call her friend. When Jean wasn't working, she knew how to have a good time!  She loved taking rides on the back of Trevor's motorcycle.  Once she had a tight hold of him, they took off and always enjoyed the ride.  Jean enjoyed traveling.  It's been said of her that any place was her favorite place.  She was always open for a new adventure.  Her husband lovingly has said, "She was one heck of a fine woman!  She was my everything."  None will miss her more than he.  Jean possessed a deep and abiding faith in her Lord, Jesus.  Throughout her life, she spent countless hours in worship and prayer seeking the peace that only He can bring.  Jean's family  finds comfort in knowing that she is free from the pain and toil of this world and that she is enjoying the reunion of family and friends who've gone on before.       Jean is survived by her husband, Trevor Avenetti of Vernon, Arizona; 4 children:  Trevor Gordon Avenetti of Gilbert, Arizona, Cynthia (Mike) Hutchinson of Show Low, Arizona, Gina (George) Lockshire of Spokane, Washington, Trevor Albert Avenetti of Vernon, Arizona; 2 sisters and a brother:  Wanda May of Magnolia, Texas, Bonnie (Gary) Sills of Malden, Missouri and Dale (Bonnie) Mask of Malden, Missouri.  Along with her parents, Jean was preceded in death by 5 of her siblings:  Edna Highers, Glenda Morrison, Charles Mask, Ruby Mask, Karl Mask and by her daughter-in-law, Paula Avenetti. A Visitation will be held Friday, September 1, 2017 from 6:00-8:00 P.M. at Owens Livingston Mortuary - White Mountain Chapel, 320 N. 9th Street, Show Low, Arizona with A Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, September 2, 2017 at St. Rita's Catholic Church, 1400 E. Owens, Show Low, Arizona. Concluding Services and Interment will follow at the Mountain Breeze Cemetery, 3750 US 60, Miami, Arizona.