Avis Bible

Source: Published in the Pine City Pioneer May 18, 2000.

Avis Bible, Pine City, died suddenly on Monday, May 8, 2000 at Kanabec Hospital in Mora after surviving many long years with debilitating illnesses.

Avis was born in Estilline, SD on June 20, 1918 to Grace (Ridout) and Albert Lee. Sadly, her mother died a short time after from the 1918 flue epidemic. Avis was then taken to Minnesota to be raised in Meadow Lawn by her grandparents.

After completing eighth grade, her grandfather, who saw no need of an education for girls, pulled her out of school to work in their home. After he died four years later, Avis demonstrated the courage and tenacity she exhibited throughout her life. She and her grandmother moved, she returned to the classroom, and in 1940, she graduated from Pine City HIgh School.

Shortly thereafter, Avis met the lover of her life, John P. Bible, and they were married on Aug. 28, 1943. They remained together all of their lives, John preceded Avis in death by just 10 days.

An ambitious and industrious woman, Avis was always seeking knowledge and experience. She worked in a variety of places, including the Pine County Courthouse, where she learned the intricate skill of abstracting. In 1956, Avis was appointed Pine County Register of Deeds, the Pine County Recorder. From that point on, she was elected in undefeated campaigns until she no longer sought the position in 1983.

Simultaneously during those years, using her dedication and precision, she expertly operated the Pine County Abstract Company until her retirement in 1983. She maintained ownership of the company until 1994.

Avis was a multi-talented woman, ahead of her time. She not only ran a business, but also had numerous other important facets of her life. Her pride was in her only child, Dennis, to whom she was devoted. She also was a member of the Abstractor's Association, the Ladies Auxiliary of the VFW and the American Legion Auxiliary. Possessing a desire to expand her world, she traveled extensively with her husband throughout the United States and also abroad.

Numerous hobbies filled any free time that Avis had. She acquired an extensive collection of Hummel plates and figurines and other collector plates as well. She also avidly pursued the perfect recipe for numerous dishes, maintaining a massive number of cookbooks and recipe files.

Avis was a dedicated lover of animals and an active supporter of the Humane Society. She lovingly nursed many an injured creature back to life, often times adopting them herself.

She gave openly to others and helped all that she could. Quiet in spirit, warm and loving in her heart, Avis will pass from this earth, but remain forever in the hearts and memories of those who knew her.

Avis was preceded in death by her husband, John Bible, her parents, Grace and Albert Lee, one brother and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

She is survived by her son, Dennis, and his wife, Ginny, her grandchildren, Robert and Alexandra, and several cousins.

A memorial service was held at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 12 at the Swanson Funeral Chapel in Pine City. The Rev. Vicki VanderVegt officated.

Glenna Reierson was the organist and the soloist was Jennifer Hansmann.

A luncheon followed at the Pine City American Legion.

A private entombment was held at Lakewood Cemetery in Minneapolis on May 13.