Avis Lucille Hitz

September 25, 1940 - July 20, 2016

Avis Lucille Hitz, age 75, of Eau Claire, WI, died Wednesday, July 20, 2016, at her daughter’s home in Eau Claire. She was born September 25, 1940, in Sherman Township, Dunn County, to Harry and Helen (Johnson) Wilcox. She graduated from Colfax High School. On April 23, 1960 she married Friedrig Hitz in Menomonie and later divorced. Avis farmed with her husband in the Cornell area for many years. She continued to farm on her own until she retired. Avis was known for her flowers and numerous gardens. To the end, she enjoyed lilacs in her room and looking at the roses out through the kitchen window. Avis was always a very hard worker. Besides farming, she raised eight children always made sure a good meal was provided. She loved to bake and was especially known for her homemade bread, baked beans, apple pies and freezer jam. She researched her family’s genealogy for many years, compiling a trove of historical information. She enjoyed knitting and crocheting which she created many intricate pieces. In later years, her daughter Christina and son Jesse cared for her in their home. Avis is survived by her children, son Friedrig “Lucky” (Carol) Hitz, daughter Roxane Leger (David Spores), son Jeff Hitz, son Dean (Laurie) Hitz, daughter Pam (Dan) Schmitt, son James (Amy) Hitz, daughter Christina Hitz (Daniel Weese), and son Jesse Hitz; grandchildren Kelly, Sarah, Eddy, Michelle, Amber, Adam, Brayden, Trenten, Bowman, Melissa, Daniel, Nicole, Breanna and Brittany; great grandchildren Allie, Addie, Lily, Abigail, Joseph, Isabella, Liam, Emma, Tristan, Madison, Zoey, Drew and Kayden; sister Patricia Peterson of Hubert, NC; brother Edward Wilcox of Little Rock, AR. She is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relative and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings Donald Wilcox, Duaine Wilcox, Donna Wilcox, Delma Rose, Marla Ness and Ruth Whitman. A celebration of her life will be held at 12:30 p.m. Monday, July 25, 2016 at Olson Funeral Home in Menomonie with Pastor Heather Kistner officiating. Burial will take place at Sherman Cemetery, township of Sherman, Dunn County. There will be a visitation one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.