Avella Sultemeier

Our mother, Avella Young Sultemeier, passed away gently, on Friday, August 16, 2019, two days before her 99th birthday. A native New Mexican, she was born to George D. and Bernice Elizabeth (Bowe) Young. Graduating from Vaughn High School at the age of 16, she completed two years of college at Colorado Women’s College and one year at UNM. She taught school at Estancia, NM for the school year 1941 while her husband served overseas during World War II. Avella was preceded in death by her sweetheart husband of 59 years, William H. “Bill” Sultemeier in 2000, her parents, and her brother, George Dean Young. She is survived by her children, Karen Woodall, Bill Sultemeier (Donna), Steve Sultemeier (Barbara), Ron Sultemeier, Bob Sultemeier (Lynn), and Beth Sultemeier, 17 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Known for her talent as a poet and author, she was frequently asked to recite poetry and church and at various functions and friends looked forward to her annual Christmas letter. She also was known for her loving and generous spirit, whether it was giving of money, homemade cinnamon rolls or a Christmas tree. She was a proud homemaker who enjoyed taking care of her family. Bill and Avella both grew to love the Espanola Valley after moving from Raton in 1965 and had a wonderful social life here with their wide range of friends from Valley National Bank, Valley View United Methodist Church, Kiwanis, P.E.O. and their bridge clubs. In her 80’s she drove to Albuquerque every Wednesday, sometimes in heavy snowstorms, for Bible Study Fellowship for many years. As her oldest child said, “We will miss our little mama so much but, she lived a long life of warmth, smiles, and joy with few sorrows. We know that she is home and holding the hand of Jesus whom she adored. We hold her memory in our hearts.” Her family would like to thank the staff of Beehive Homes of Albuquerque West for their loving care and to Heritage Home Healthcare and Hospice for their hospice care over the past several weeks. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at the Valley View United Methodist Church, 827 Spruce Street, Espanola, NM. Her family of Avella Sultemeier has trusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Espanola Valley. 505-747-7477-www.devargafuneral.com