Alene (Buckingham) Avenell passed away to be with the Lord on Saturday, January 21, 2012, at Lake Chelan Community Hospital. She was born March 19, 1917, at the family homestead near Foster Creek to George Frederick Buckingham and Josie Della (Jaynes) Buckingham. Alene attended school in Mansfield and graduated in 1935, as a member of the largest graduating class Mansfield School District has ever had. Alene married her high school sweetheart, Jay Bennett Avenell, on November 14, 1937, and they celebrated 66 happy years together before his passing in 2003. As a full time homemaker, she was very proud to be the wife of a farmer and was always interested in the happenings of the farm. Throughout her life, Alene was very involved with various groups and organizations. She was very proud of her work as a member of the Douglas County Educational Services Board; she was a lifetime member of Mansfield Grange #883; a member of the Mansfield Rebekah's Lodge; she assisted in the formation of Mansfield Senior Meals; and was a lifelong member of the Mansfield United Protestant Church, where she stayed active with various church activities and taught Sunday School for many years. Alene liked to stay busy and filled her spare time with various hobbies, which included snowmobiling, bowling, gardening, camping and baking. Alene was well known for her award winning breads and desserts that she made, as well as the many wedding cakes she helped create. Alene was a devoted daughter and wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, although her greatest pride was in raising her two sons, Jerry and Jacob. Her extended and growing family was a great source of pride and love throughout her life.

Alene is survived by her son, Jacob (Darla) Avenell of Mansfield, WA; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and a sister, Claudine Davis of Coulee City, WA. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jay Avenell; son, Jerry Avenell; her twin brother; and six siblings.

A Service will be held to celebrate her life on Saturday, January 28, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. at the United Protestant Church. Donations, in lieu of flowers, may be made to the Mansfield Ambulance Fund or Mansfield Dollars for Scholars. Please express your thoughts and memories on the online guestbook at jonesjonesbetts.com. Arrangements by Waterville Funeral Home.