  Melanney Dawn AvaraMemorial services for former Lamar and Burlington, Colorado resident, Melanney Dawn Avara was held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, March 13, 2008 at the Peacock Family Chapel with Troy Wright officiating.
Melanney Dawn Avara was born February 17, 1964 in Lamar, Colorado to Richard and Lorene Thompson. Along with her parents, Richard and Lorene, she is survived by one daughter, Jessica May Strobel, (Billy) and granddaughter, Jamie Rae of Fort Collins, CO and one brother Monty Ray Thompson (Melissa) and children, Dalton and Garrett.
Melanney graduated from Lamar High School in 1982. In 1988 Melanney moved with her family to Norton, Kansas for a brief period and then moved to Burlington, CO where she lived until April, 2006 when she moved to Pueblo West, CO, and resided there until her death.
Melanney was a devoted mother and grandmother placing her daughter and granddaughter first and above all things. She enjoyed every minute she could spend with them. When they could not be together, she and Jessica had a set time on Saturday morning reserved for Saturday morning coffee by phone. Jamie Rae became the highlight of her life and there could not be enough time spent with her or enough pictures taken to share with friends and family. Jessica and her mother loved to just go shopping just to watch the people and drink coffee and had begun to train Jaime to love this also.
Melanney began her career with Farmers Home Administration on March 20, 1994 as a Temporary Office Automation Clerk in Burlington, Co. She was converted to career employee of Rural Economic and Community Development on March 5, 1995. She then transferred to Farm Service Agency as a Farm Loan Program Technician on October 1, 1995 and continued to serve FSA until her passing. She served the Burlington Farm Loan Program Team until April 27, 2006 then transferred to the Pueblo County Office. Melanney was responsible for numerous office duties that included working with several different computer systems in the early years to the current system with two different systems. She served Colorado State Farm Agency in several areas, from being a resource person for several systems and programs within Farm Loan to being a representative on the Colorado FSA Partnership Council. Melanney also provided training to numerous other Farm Loan Program team members throughout Colorado. She helped in the formation of training material for new Farm Loan Program employees and updates on changes to different systems and information. Melanney enjoyed challenges and was involved with the team installing new computer systems for several offices in Northeastern Colorado 2004. She received numerous performance awards throughout her employment with Farm Service Agency.
Melanney had a love for the outdoors, gardening, being outside in the sunshine, picnics and spending quiet times by the lakes. She had a deep compassionate spirit for those that were going throug h troubled times since she had walked this path herself. She always felt that one should not judge another because you never know what was going on in someone’s life. She was the support system of her family in many ways, always ready to listen, to help carry a burden or share in the joys and happy times. One of her favorite poems was Footprints, which she had done in counted cross stitch several years ago and is a symbol of the faith she carried within her heart.
On the lighter side, Melanney had a love for Winnie the Pooh. She loved the light heartedness of the music, the quotes, and the happy spirit it brought to her and to others. She had acquired a collection of Winnie the Pooh which she loved to share with others; each figurine had a special meaning.
Melanney’s courage and fighting spirit will always be remembered by her family and those who knew her and loved her so very much..
 Melanney is survived by her daughter Jessica May (Billy) Strobel and Melanney’s granddaughter, Jamie Rae of Fort Collins. Her parents, Richard and Lorene Thompson of Lamar, brother Monty (Melissa) Thompson of Lamar, nephews Dalton and Garrett Thompson and special friend Dave Seaney of La Veta, CO as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or to Sangre De Cristo Hospice of Pueblo, CO direct or in care of the funeral home office.
Online Condolences | | Jessica: I have just heard about your mother's passing and want to extend my deepest sympathy to you! While I didn't know her, I always thought a great deal of you and wanted to tell you that you are on my heart and in my prayers, dear girl! Having lost my mother a little over 2 years ago, I've realized that it's not the length of our time with our moms, it's the quality of the time. I know you had a very deep and special bond with your mom and so she will always be with you in your heart and in your memories! I have moved to Oklahoma to be close to Chelsey and am getting married next month! I'm sure you are loving being a mom! God Bless you and your family. Brenda James | | Richard, Lorene & Monty......Cherish your precious memories and know that we are thinking of you. LaNette & Vincent | Lorene, Richard and Monty: I was very saddened to hear about Melanney. She must have fought a very brave battle. I remember babysitting her and Monty in their younger years. I know you have numerous wonderful memories as you all were such a close loving family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Karen Harper | | When I worked with you mother she was always talking about you and how proud she was of you and all that you had done with your life. I know that she will always be looking out for you and your family. Please know that we are thinking of you at this difficult time. Tim & Melody Campbell | | Richard and Lorene...We are so sorry about your loss. We Know how terrible this is for you. You will be in our thoughts and Prayers, Arlen and Iris Johnson, Monument,Co. | | To Jessica, Lorene and Richard and all the family, I was deeply saddened about Melanney's death. Melanney and I were always friends. My prayers are with you all. Jessica I'm sure your Mom and Merle are visiting up in heaven. Someday we'll all be there to see them again. God Bless Wanda Mangus | | Richard and Lorene, thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Frankie (Austin) Nelson, Canon city, Colo. | | Melanney,Very happy I got to know you and somehow in our small community we all bonded growing up, with that great high school spirit we all shared; thank you for being a part of some great memories. I hope to meet your beautiful daughter and family so I can share in person that I had the priveledge to be a friend of yours. My prayers to all your family. Lupe Barrientos | | Richard and Lorene, sorry to hear about the loss of Melanney. Feel at peace that all her pain is gone now and she is resting in the heavens above. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. God bless you all in this time of sorrow. Patricia ( Dr. Benton's) | | Melanney thank you for all of the good memories growing up together in Lamar. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family, and friends during this most difficult time. You may be gone, but you'll never be forgotten. Tim Travis | | Richard and Lorene--I know you will miss Melanney very much, but take comfort in knowing that she "fought the battle" till the end. She is at peace. My thoughts and prayers are with both of you, Monty, Melissa & their boys, and with all the rest of your family. God Bless. Sheila McTaggart | | We are thinking of all of you and holding you up in prayer and love. What a special gift Melanney had to know just when to reach out to someone. Her spirit and ability to support others will live on in all of you. God Bless You All! Love Colt, Sheila and Canyon River |
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