With profound sadness we announce the passing of Linda (Avila) VanMeter our loving and devoted mother and a friend to all whose lives she touched, on August 23, 2019. She left us peacefully surrounded by her family.
She was born November 27, 1948, in Garden City, Kansas to Blas and Guadalupe Avila. Linda grew up in Garden City, Kansas she moved to California where she lived for many years where she studied Arts at Rio Hondo College, before moving to Richmond, Indiana in 1986. She was employed at Richmond State Hospital, where she retired after 25 years. Linda spent her final years in Richmond, Indiana.
As we all know, Linda was a very strong vibrant spiritual woman who made sure her children received God in their lives. She loved listening to music, loved to dance, was a great bowler, was on a softball and basketball league. She loved to attend concerts and comedy shows. She was an adamant bingo player. Many of you may know that she was a die-hard Dallas Cowboy’s and Los Angeles Lakers fan, and an even louder cheerleader in the stands while watching her grandchildren participate in sports. Most importantly she loved making her family and friends laugh. Her carefree spirit afforded her a lifetime of experiences as she lifted the hearts of the many people she encountered.
Linda leaves to cherish her memory her children, Anthony Cordova (Lisa), Sonja Thompson (Victor), Justina Cordova (Kevin), Joseph Cordova (Felicity), Rachel Cordova (Gary). Cherished fiancé of Mark Miller and In- laws, Malinda Comer and Raymond Comer.
Cherished grandmother of, Marcus Freel, Travon Cordova, Asia Cordova, Dominique Cordova, Tevin Freel, Dijon Cordova, Joseph Cordova, Anthony Thompson, Alexa Thompson, Sade Cordova, Shalese Cordova, and Trey Freel.
Great grandchildren of, Mar’Kaja Mitchell, Keilan Cordova, Kadence Freel, Roman Holt, Camden Fox-Thompson, Armani Boatman, Karson Freel, Kyng Cole, and Khari Patterson.
Parents, Blas V. Avila and Maria Guadalupe Avila
Dear sisters, Delores Arteaga, Maria McCutcheon, Debra Avila-Beck, and Arloene Avila-Miller.
Nieces, Sabrina Arteaga-Herrera, Shelley Arteaga-Salas, Sharea Martinez-Horton, Ebony Adams, Charmaine Beck, and Vanessa Barnes.
Nephews, Jesse Arteaga Jr., Fernando Arteaga, Salvador Arteaga, Andre Arteaga, Michael McCutcheon, James Beck Jr., Mitchell Avila, and Terrell Avila.
A HOST OF OTHER RELATIVES AND FRIENDS INCLUDING SPECIAL FRIENDS: Gisella and Benny Thomas, Ellen Mabry, Devon Holden, Judy Carroll, Joan Dixon, Sharon Alfonso, Andy Wright, Lisa Hampton, Amy Wright, April Apsley-Sheldon, Toiya Miller and Felicity Melson. And so many more.
PRECEDED IN DEATH BY: Mother, Maria Guadalupe Vasques-Avila, Father, Blas V, Avila, Brother, Leopoldo Avila, Niece, Sharea Martinez-Horton, Grandson, Tevin Freel, and Brother-in-Law, Jesse Arteaga Sr.
Funeral services will be held at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church on Friday, August 30, 2019, at 1:00 PM, with Pastor Dr. Derek White officiating. Family and friends may visit Friday at the church beginning at 11:00 AM. Following cremation, burial will be held at the convenience of the family. Send online condolences to the family via the guestbook at www.communityfamilyfh.com