Avanell Morton, age 80, of Springfield, Mo., was born May 8, 1930, in Campbell, Mo., to George Arthur and Anetta Runnels, and died August 10, 2010. She attended her first four years of school in Sunny Side School and then attended Campbell Grade and High School. She was salutatorian of the Senior Class of 1948. Avanell married Lester Lowell (Bud) Morton on January 21, 1966, and he preceded her in death on April 21, 2002. She was employed at Assemblies of God Headquarter 8.5 years, and at Frito-Lay and United Health Center. Her last employment of 27 years was with White and Associates.
Avanell was saved in a little Assembly of God Church in Campbell, when she was 12 years old and baptized in Cain Creek. She was a member of North Side Assembly of God Church in Springfield for over 50 years, and she and Lester spent 14 years as Club Coordinators for the Seniors (Good Timers).
Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Ellis Virgil Runnels; and sister, Martha Mare Bowling. She is survived by a daughter, Mary and her husband, Paul Humphrey; and grandchildren, Paula and David Edmondson, David and Karla Humphrey; and great-grandchildren, Brett, Brand, Brian, Caleb and Noah. Also surviving are nephew, Gary Bowling and wife Marsha and children, Garrett, Mason, Jacob and Hailey.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, August 12, 2010, in Greenlawn Funeral Home North, Springfield, Mo., with Reverend Alvin Blackard officiating. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, Springfield, Mo. Visitation will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, August 11, 2010 in Greenlawn Funeral Home North.