Avis Hortence Mary DorothyLee Leona Lotty Daisy Naomi Wells—yes, every one of these names appeared on her original birth certificate! Following a fire, a new birth certificate was issued, listing only Hortencia. She was affectionately referred to as “Stumpy” for short. Her CB handle was “Shorty,” because someone else had already claimed the name “Stumpy.” Avis went to be with the Lord on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at the age of 99, surrounded by her loved ones. She was born on April 4, 1927, in Fisk, Missouri, and was the youngest child of Charles Phillips and Bertha (Cudd) Phillips.

On December 20, 1950, Avis was united in marriage to William Gale “Bill” Wells. Together, they shared 49 years of marriage and raised five children.

Avis worked at the Brown Shoe Factory for many years before beginning a career in furniture upholstery. She continued upholstering furniture until the early 2000s, when the furniture became too heavy for her to lift. She then turned her talents to making beautiful quilts. Avis blessed each of her children with one of her treasured quilts, creating special keepsakes that will be cherished for generations to come. One quilt in particular that she was especially proud of was an American flag quilt.

At the time of her passing, Avis was the oldest living member of Temple Missionary Baptist Church and the eldest member of the Belgrade, Missouri, community. Her faith, love for her family, and caring spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Those who remain to cherish her memory include her children, Linda Wilkson; Gale Wells and his wife, Beverly; Jenny Sadler and her husband, Rick; and Janie Greenwalt and her husband, Ronnie. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Robby and Kayla Wells, Randy and Lynda Wells, James Wilkson, Tara and Raymond Buxton, Kaylon and Kari Sadler, Kim and Gary Cooper, Kris and Leesa Taylor, Bruce and Becky Harp, Rick Harp, and Dennis Harp; great-grandchildren, Jaquelyn, Jonathan, Austin, Gabe, Landon, David, Kaylie, Karson, Korbin, Bailey, Mackenzie, Jaden, Asher, Mariah, Braxton, Ali, Westin, Gauge, Kadi, Krew, Josh, and Jennifer; and great-great-grandchildren, Sage, Ruthie Jo, and soon-to-arrive baby Bodie. Avis also leaves behind numerous brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and other extended family members and dear friends.

In addition to her parents, Avis was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Wm. “Bill” Wells; daughter and son-in-law, Sandy and Charlie Harp; granddaughter, Carol Taylor; son-in-law, John Wilkson; siblings, Thelma Harris, Margaret Wilson, Juanita Sheppard, Mabel Casey, and Herman Nickelson; father-in-law, Rob Wells; mother-in-law, Bessie Wells; special mother-in-law, Dollie Cassidy; special sister-in-law, Nellie Nelson; and many other dear relatives.

Avis leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love, faith, family, and handmade treasures. Her quilts will continue to wrap her family in the warmth of her love, while the memories she created with those she cherished will remain in their hearts forever.

Visitation for Avis will be held at DeClue Funeral Home on Monday, September 21, 2026 from 5 to 8 pm. Visitation will resume on Tuesday, September 22, 2026 beginning at 9 am and lasting until the time of her Funeral Service at 11 am. Pastor Melvin Meade will be officiating, assisted by Pastor Brian Saunders. Interment and final prayers will take place at Caledonia Methodist Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest by Bill. 

Funeral arrangements for Avis was respectfully entrusted to the care and direction of DeClue Funeral Home, Potosi, Missouri.