Barbara Karen Aviles

Barbara Karen Aviles, 70, passed away Tuesday, December 25, 2018 at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo. She was born February 23, 1948 to John and Alice (Omlie) Hunt in Portland, Oregon. Barbara graduated from Bloomingdale High School in 1966. She went on to earn a nursing degree from South Western Michigan College and would work as a registered nurse for 18 years before her retirement in 2013. Barbara enjoyed shopping on QVC and HSN. She loved her critters and scrap booking. Barbara also enjoyed flower gardening, sightseeing, dancing, swimming and reading. She was voted best dancer in high school. Barbara was a true Trekkie and loved watching Star Trek.

She is preceded in death along with her parents and her sisters – Janice Malek and Claudia Jerek.

Barbara is survived by her children – Carl (Denise) Bodfish of Leslie, Michigan, Karen (David) Barker of Grand Junction, and Christopher Aviles of Citrus Heights, California.  Grandchildren –  Keirstin and Kamren Bodfish, Katie (Casey) Perkins,  and Cody (Kaitlin) Farrell, Gelacio “Hal” Aviles, Diesel and Haylee Barker.  Siblings – Richard and Douglas Hunt both of Albuquerque, New Mexico and Robyn Blakeney of Tennessee, and aunt – Hazel Schmieder of Los Angeles, California.

Visitation will be held 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Monday, December 31, 2018 at the Lacota United Methodist Church. Funeral services will follow visitation at 12:00 PM with Pastor Michael Pinto officiating. Barbara will be laid to rest at the Lee Township Cemetery. A luncheon will follow services at the Pullman VFW Post, 5632 109th Ave, Pullman, MI 49450. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Barbara’s memory to the Al Van Humane Society, PO Box 421, South Haven, Michigan 49090.