Obituary of Ava Lee Justeson

Ava Lee Justeson of Gridley, California passed away peacefully on March 5, 2021 with her grandsons Eric, his wife Corina, and Devin by her side, at the age of 95. Born Ave Lee Sheats to George and Clara Sheats on October 31, 1925 in Bates, Arkansas. Ava Lee spent her childhood growing up with her siblings on her parent’s farm on the borders of Oklahoma and Arkansas where the family farm resided in both states. In her younger years her parents sold their farm in 1937 and moved west through Arizona ending up in Gridley, California where Ava finished school graduating from Gridley High School. Ava Lee then went on to marry Clayton “Sonny” Waterbury, together they had one son, Glen “Butch” Waterbury. Sadly Sonny died in an accident. In 1957 Ava Lee married Doyle Justeson and together they farmed rice until Doyle passed in 1991. Ava Lee enjoyed bowling and played with her sisters and friends in several leagues for many years where she was quite successful winning many trophies over the years. She really enjoyed fishing, whether it was cat fishing out west in the drain canals, crappie fishing in Stony Gorge, or ocean fishing for salmon. She loved to entertain guests at her home and all who visited always felt welcomed and had a great time. Ava traveled all over the world and loved to go and see new places. In her later years she spent a lot of time in Fort Bragg and Lake Madrone at the cabin. Church picnics where hotdogs were her favorite and visiting with all of her church family. Family gatherings were always a must and everyone was family. Ava Lee was the last living sibling, having all eight of her brothers and sisters already passing away along with both parents and her only son Glen “Butch”. She is survived by her two grandsons, Eric (Corina) Waterbury and Devin Waterbury (Rich Nunes), great-grandchildren Chase (Whitney) Waterbury, Haiden (Savana) Waterbury and Samantha Waterbury, great-great-grandson Huxley Waterbury and several nieces and nephews who are all going to miss her greatly. As she always said when leaving, I’m sure glad you got to see me. So are we. Services will be held on Friday March 12, 2021 at 1 p.m. at Calvary Chapel Gridley, where all who wish to attend are invited. Following the church service there will be a private graveside service for family and relatives only at Gridley Biggs Cemetery at 2 p.m. Arrangements entrusted to Gridley-Block Funeral Chapel, 530-846-2138.