Avis Ware, 85, Burlington, died Monday, July 4, 2011 in a Minot Hospital.

Avis was born May 22, 1926 the daughter of Frederick and Emily (Beardsley) Stone at Belper, Derbyshire, England. She was raised and educated in Derbyshire and employed in a factory there from the age of 14 for ten years. She was married to Arthur Parkes and they lived in England.

Avis was united in marriage to Franklin Ware on January 15, 1975 in England. They lived there from 1972-1975, while Frank was stationed with the military. He was transferred to Minot Air Force Base in 1975. They have made their home in Burlington throughout the years. Avis was employed as a baker for local restaurants and had also worked with her daughter, Lynn and together were co-owners of Et-Pet Grooming and Supplies for several years until she retired in 2006.

Avis was a member of the Methodist Faith. She was an avid dart player and participated in the VFW Dart league and Magic City Dart league. She enjoyed bird watching, reading, gardening, art and poetry. She had also been a member of the horseshoe club at the Minot Moose Lodge.

Avis is survived by her husband, Frank of Burlington; daughter, Lynn DeCoster (Bob Griffin), Burlington; grandson, Bryce Schroeder, Minot; sister, Kate Hayes, Chesterfield, England; brother, Ivan Stone, England; special niece, Judith Bradshaw of Belper, Derbyshire, England; other nieces, Gillian, Eunice and Susan; along with nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Avis was preceded in death by her parents, first husband, Arthur, daughter, Julia, brother, Frederick and sisters, Cynthia and Nora.

Funeral service: Friday, July 8, 2011 at 11:00 a.m . in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.
Visitation: Thursday, July 7th from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.