Lucile Wheeler Avery, 88, longtime resident of Milo, died on May 5, 2014, in Orem, Utah.
Lucile was born February 6, 1926, in Poplar, Idaho, the seventh of eleven children of John Etsel Wheeler and Myra Fay Morgan Wheeler. The family lived in Poplar, Antelope, and Ririe where Lucile attended school, graduating from Ririe High School. She played the violin in the school orchestra and was the majorette, twirling her baton as she marched with the band. She grew up with seven sisters who were her close friends.
On May 17, 1944, she married Orval Eames Avery in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. She lived in their first home in Milo for 66 years. Lucile worked alongside her husband on the Milo farm and the ranch at Antelope, milking cows for 41 years. Their children, Karen, Yvonne, John, and Susan learned to work hard on the farm.
Lucile was involved with her kids in their church and school activities and served in multiple positions in church and community. Helping Orval on the farm was more than a full-time job, but she made time to work in her beloved flowerbeds and garden. She took pride in creating a beautiful yard. Quilting, sewing, canning, and household chores were often done late into the night.
Lucile loved people, making friends wherever she went. Traveling was one of her passions, visiting 45 states and 11 countries. Attending special occasions for her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren brought her abundant joy.
Lucile and her sisters kept their bond strong and looked forward to their annual sisters' reunions in various locations. She loved her brothers and sisters- in-law, nieces, and nephews. She made people feel loved and valued.
Grandchildren brought a new measure of love and joy. She was crazy about every one of them. When the great grandchildren arrived, they were equally loved and adored.
Lucile and Orval discovered a passion for snowmobiling in the 1970s and finally had a hobby to make caring for their cattle in the long Idaho winters bearable. They had many friends, and treasured getting together with the Avery and Wheeler families. Camping and reunions were important traditions. They created their own camping facility at Avery Acres where hundreds have spent time in nature.
Lucile is survived by her children, Karen (Ken) Bowden of El Cajon, California, Yvonne (Web) Gudmundson of Orem, UT, John (Cheryl) Avery of Milo, and Susan (Gaylen) Stucki of Iona; her sisters, Fern Fillmore and Joyce Sanchez, of Taylorsville, UT, and Connie Call of Bedford, TX. Her greatest joys are her 24 grandchildren and 61 great grandchildren.
Lucile was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Orval; siblings, Wendell, Everett, Thelma, Verla, Zelda, Marcene, and Belva Lou; and grandson, Derrick.

Services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, May 10, 2014, at the Milo LDS Church, 12127 North 75th East. The family will visit with friends Friday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home East Side (963 South Ammon Road), and Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. prior to services at the church.