Ramona McAvoy Obituary

Mrs. Ramona "Mona" Love McAvoy, 67, of Wynne, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at RiverRidge Nursing Home. Mona lived a life full of joy and quiet strength. She loved good books, great movies, the peace of the mountains, shopping trips with the "Gilmer Girls" and-second only to Gene-Memphis wrestling. Growing up, her weekends were filled with the excitement of Jerry Lawler, Bill Dundee, the Fabulous Fargo's, Tommy Rich, and Jimmy Hart's "First Family." She could quote wrestling promos like poetry, and her laughter made every memory brighter. Mona graduated from Wynne High School in 1976. She went on to pursue her passion for storytelling at Arkansas State University, where she earned a degree in Broadcast and Communications. She began her professional journey in journalism, working with KAIT K8 in Jonesboro and ABC24 in Memphis. In time, her heart led her home to Wynne, where she found purpose and fulfillment serving as a District Court Clerk for Cross County until her retirement. Mona married the love of her life, Richard "Gene" McAvoy on October 9, 1993. Together, they built a beautiful life full of laughter, loyalty, and unconditional love. Gene and Mona shared a deep affection for their cats, a love for travel, and a true joy in cheering on their "bonus kids"-especially Haley Huffstuttler-during her years playing softball for the Fireballs and the Wynne Lady Yellowjackets. Known lovingly as "Uncle Gene" and "Aunt Mona," the pair were far more than fans; they were treasured fixtures in the hearts of all who knew them. Mona had a gentle spirit, a compassionate heart, and a smile that could brighten even the darkest day. She was the kind of person who made everyone feel like family. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gene McAvoy; and her parents, Yuell "Shorty" Sanders and Wanda Draughon Sanders. What a joyous reunion it must be! She is survived by her sisters, Dian Mowery and Lisa Carter; her brother, Jeff Sanders (Joy); and a host of nieces and nephews, including her special niece Kristen Morningstar (Michael). Mona also leaves behind lifelong friends who became family: Keith and Tracy Huffstuttler; Haley Huffstuttler; Chris and Holly Campbell; Cole, Caitlyn, Easton, and Becker Campbell; and Cade and Mallory Campbell-all of Wynne-each of whom held a treasured place in Mona's heart. Mona's legacy is one of kindness, laughter, and unwavering love. Her gentle spirit will live on in the lives she touched and the memories she gifted so generously. Though she may be gone from our sight, she will never be far from our hearts. A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2025. Visitation will take place from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. at Kernodle Funeral Home, followed by a graveside service at 11:00 A.M. at Cogbill Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Kernodle Funeral Home from 10 am until 11 am. Graveside services will follow at 11 am at Cogbill Cemetery.