Obituary of Avianna West

Avianna Martha West was born in Monroe, Michigan on August 23, 2011. She was the daughter of Martha Grahl and Courtney West. Avianna was an independent free-spirit that was always on the go. She loved to dance and listen to all types of music. Avianna was always happy, smiling, and was a joy to everyone she touched. She loved her family, especially her sisters, brother and cousins. Avianna enjoyed the outdoors, rain or shine. She spent a lot of time swinging in the warmer months and sledding in the winter. She also liked shopping at the mall with her family and playing house with her baby dolls. She showed a special love for other children and babies. Avianna Martha West, age 18 months passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, March 16, 2013 at her home. To cherish her memory she leaves behind her parents; maternal grandparents: Verna Mae Gonyea and Gary Grahl; paternal grandparents: Steven West of Monroe and Rita Rogers of Perrysburg; three sisters: Mariah Higgins, Brooklyn and Breanna West; one brother: Trey Higgins; four aunts: Veronica (Ricky Joe Jennings) Milligan, Vanessa (Craig) Pelletier of California, Giovanna Jones, and Felicia Rogers of Perrysburg; three uncles: Jonathan Grahl, Nicholas Grahl of South Lyon, and Matthew Grahl; and nine cousins: Tyler, Celeste, and Celena Milligan, Maxwell and Violet Pelletier, Tristan and Collin Grahl, Caleb and Katie Jennings. Friends may gather from 11:00am until 2:00pm on Friday, March 22, 2013 at Stewart Road Christian Ministries Center, 1199 Stewart Road. A Celebration of Her Life will follow at 2:00pm, also at Stewart Road with Reverend Dr. Joseph Byrd pastor of the church officiating. Procession will follow to Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle for burial. Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185 has been entrusted with her arrangements. In lieu of flowers memorial donations are suggested to the family to assist with funeral expenses. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo, or make a donation by visiting www.merklefs.com and then selecting the Online Tributes page.