Walter Uvaldo Avila's Obituary
Walter Uvaldo Avila was finally reunited with the love of his life on December 19, 2022.
His beloved wife of 63 years, Erma Lee Avila, died in April 2022, and Walter spent the
last eight months talking about how much he was looking forward to seeing her in
heaven. He was a wonderful father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and
friend.
Walter met the love of his life, Erma, at a dance at the Centro Civico in Salt Lake City,
UT. He said that they couldn’t take their eyes off each other and were smitten from the
day they met, and he knew she was the one he wanted to spend his life with. Soon after,
on June 28, 1959, in Elko, NV, they married and spent the next 63 years together,
building a big beautiful family.
Walter was born August 21, 1937, to Anselmo and Bellarmina Avila in El
Rito, NM. His mother, Bellarmina, passed away when he was seven years old. He went
to live with his grandmother, Selsa, for a year, then Walter lived with his sister Susie and
her husband, Dan. Later, his brother Joe and his wife Sally adopted him in Ojo Cliente,
NM. He helped raise their nine children. He loved their children very much, as if they
were his own. He always told stories about the girls and the boys he helped raise. He
got a lot of practice at a very young age, so he was a great father when he had his own
children.
Walter had such a big spirit, and he had such a big personality. He was a very giving
person and was willing to help anyone who needed it. He was a loving and caring man
who spent most of his life thinking about others. He loved having a big family and
would brag to everyone he met about how proud he was of the family he created. One
of his favorite pastimes was watching the 49ers games with his family. We know that
God is pleased to have one of his kind and generous angels back in his arms, where he
belongs. Those on earth will sorely miss him. “Goodbye to a wonderful and loving man.”
“As long as we remember a person, they’re not really gone. Their thoughts, their
feelings, their memories, they become a part of us.”
Walter is survived by Children, Richard Avila, Tony Avila, Molly Gonzalez, Arthur Avila, Corina
(Arthur) Vierra, Frank (Lisa) Avila, Orlando (Belen) Avila, and Rachel Avila.
Grandchildren, Elizabeth, Angel, Adriana, Anthony, Arlene, Heron, Lil Molly, Michael, Andrew, Lil
Arthur, Lance, Shayla, Landon, Angelia, Yvonne, Marissa (Anthony), Felicia, Lil Frankie, Lil
Orlando (Tana), Deonno, Diego.
Great-grandchildren, Nevaeh, Jordan, James, Mariana, Tatiana, Cymry, Bradley, Brynlee,
Camden, McKenna, Grayson, Chloe, Kora, Parker, Hunter, Gabriel, Ariana, Jayden, Alleysaya,
Naielli, Angel, Ryder, Lucas, Syli, Lillianna, Mauricio.
Great-great-grandchild, Gabriel
He was loved by many nieces and nephews.
Walter is preceded in death by his Wife, Erma Avila, Mother, Belarmina Sisneros Avila, and
Father, Anselmo Avila. Siblings Rosenaldo Sisneros, Joe Avila, Susie Trujillo, Florencio
Avila, Demecio Avila Grandchildren, Ricky Avila, Derick Avila, and Annie.
A Viewing will be held on Tuesday, December 27, 2022 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM at Neil O'Donnell Funeral Home located at 372 East 100 South Salt Lake City, UT. A Viewing will be held on Wednesday, December 28, 2022 at 10:00 AM at St. Anne's Catholic Church located at 450 East 2100 South Salt Lake City, UT with a Rosary held at 11:30 AM and Mass Celebrated at 12:00. A private family interment will be held at Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery.
What’s your fondest memory of Walter?
What’s a lesson you learned from Walter?
Share a story where Walter's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Walter you’ll never forget.
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