Ava Irene Ahner, age 77, of Granite City, Ill., passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2020, at her home. Ava was born on Dec 25, 1942, in Madison, Ill.

On June 9, 1962, Ava married James Ahner, the love of her life in Vicksburg. Ava was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend to many. She was a faithful and dedicated member of Grace Baptist Church in Granite City, Ill. She enjoyed going to church and cooking delicious meals for her family and friends. Ava loved life, she loved to laugh, but most of all she loved her family. She will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Ava was preceded in death by her parents, Harvil Murray and Gladys Hudson; and by one sister, Jessie Faye Hudson.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 58 years, James Ahner of Granite City, Ill.; loving children, Kimberly (Michael) Osborn of Murfreesboro, Tenn. and Paul Ahner of Granite City, Ill.; dear siblings, Nettie Boone, June Chartrand, Donnie Hudson and Patty (Charles) Camper; proud grandmother to Nathan, Jonathan, Levi, Samuel and Isaac Osborn; proud great-grandmother to Conner and Abigail; many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

In celebration of her life a private visitation and funeral will be held on Friday, Sept. 11, 2020, at Grace Baptist Church, 2600 Edwards, Granite City, Ill.

Interment will be in Sunset Hill Memorial Estates, Glen Carbon, Ill.

Memorial donations may be given to Gideons International, P.O. Box 97251, Washington, D.C. 20090-7251.

Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.irwinchapel.com.