Monte Vista resident Donna L. Avara, 84, passed away on March 8, 2023 in Monte Vista, Colorado.  She was born on June 10, 1938 in Bowen, Colorado to Ronald and Lilly (Anderson) Iske. She married Richard Wesley Avara on February 18, 1984 in Monte Vista. She was a longtime member of the Church of Christ.  She was an amazing seamstress and enjoyed quilting and painting.  She was a very knowledgeable rock hound and enjoyed sharing her knowledge.  Donna was very musically talented, at one point she learned to play the trumpet and was a member of a choir that was invited to Austria for a music festival.  She had a passion for service and served as a Licensed Practical Nurse for many years. 

Donna is survived by her children, LoriAnn (Leonard) Snow, Jim (Marci) Riggenbach, Cheri (Kyle Schoemaker) Malouff and Ron (Cathy) Riggenbach, her grandchildren, Caleb Riggenbach, Sydney Riggenbach, Eli Malouff, Shelly Taylor, Brandon Snow, Kristoffer Snow, Leo Snow, Jason Riggenbach and Katie Navarro, her great-grandchildren, Stanley Martinez, Uriah Martinez, Daniel Martinez, Eric Snow, Lacy Snow, Melody Dryer, Austin Dryer, Alexis Snow, Isabelle Snow, Brandon Snow, Riley Taylor, Lacy Taylor, Melina Navarro, Lionel Navarro and Prescott Navarro, her brother Michael Iske as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her brother Ronald Iske.

Cremation was selected and a memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, April 1, 2023, at the Rogers Family Mortuary in Monte Vista.  In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to the Conour SLV Animal Shelter and may be made in care of the funeral home office.  To express condolences, please visit www.rogersfunerals.com

Rogers Family Mortuary in Monte Vista is in care of the arrangements.