Ava passed away in Oklahoma City Sunday October 24, 2021. She was born to Lee and Bernice Cruzan on March 20, 1933 in Tuttle, Oklahoma. She was raised in Tuttle, Oklahoma, along with her sisters, Betty, Joy, Peggy, Wanada, Lora and brothers David Arthur & Steve. Growing up in a large family made for an eventful childhood. In school she excelled in academics. She always had good grades. She enjoyed school and social activities. She made friends easily in high school and maintained many of those friendships for life. She graduated from Tuttle high School in 1951. That same year she married the man that would become the love of her life, Milburn Cummings. The two married in Tuttle, OK on June 23,
1951.

As newlyweds, the two lived in Oklahoma City. Ava and Milburn were blessed with two children, Cindy and Randel. Ava was the best wife and mother. She loved her family dearly and was always there for them. When her children were younger, Ava enjoyed taking them to play in the South Canadian River, OKC Zoo, Wedgewood and Springlake amusement parks. Ava and her family loved traveling together as well. They made some memorable vacations to Red Rock Canyon, Lake Altus-Lugert, Lake Eufaula, Wisconsin and Carlsbad Caverns. Ava and Milburn moved back to Tuttle in 1983. The following 30+ years were spent gardening, landscaping, and improving the land they so loved. More than anything they enjoyed family. Everyone loved to visit. There was fishing, swings, a paddle boat, a go cart, a mini bike, and a 4wheeler to enjoy. Ava was a great cook (she made legendary chocolate chip cookies), loved to crochet, sewing, canning, crafts, jigsaw puzzles and playing canasta and wahoo. Milburn passed away in 2014 leaving Ava in uncharted territory. Her love for family and their love for her helped guide her through this new chapter in her life.

Life was very different for Ava but she managed to stay occupied. She kept busy on her 10 acres. She loved to work in her flower beds and garden and even enjoyed weed eating. Ava was a bit of a fire
starter, in a literal sense, and enjoyed making burn piles to get rid of sticks, twigs, tree limbs and whatever
else she could find that she needed to reduce to ashes on her property. Ava's greatest joy was her family. As a mother children lit up her life and as a grandmother, her grandchildren and great grandchildren further illuminated her spirit.

In recent years, Ava's health declined which really limited her involvement with her hobbies and family. During her last year and a half she was living at Sommerset Neighborhood in Oklahoma City, which was a big change from her own home. She and the staff at Sommerset became friends and Ava's family is thankful for the care they showed to Ava.

Ava will always be remembered for her sense of humor and devotion to God and family. She is deeply missed but will always be remembered.

Ava was preceded in death by her parents, Lee and Bernice Cruzan, husband, Milburn Cummings, sister, Betty Heldenbrand and brother, David Arthur Cruzan

She is survived by her daughter, Cindy Kirkham, son, Randel Cummings and wife Jamie, grandchildren, Greg Cummings and wife Lanette, Glenn Kirkham, Kristen Flowers, Tammy Sewell and husband Zac and Ryan Cummings, great grandchildren, Willow, Luke, Dean, Becca, Alexa, Annistyn, sisters, Joy
Hardesty, Peggy Parrish and Don, Wanada Klippel, Lora Collins and John, brother, Steve Cruzan as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and many loving extended family members and friends.