Remembering Avon Shields

The York College family mourns the passing of Avon "MamaVon" Shields, who touched the lives of hundreds of women as the residence hall manager of McCloud Hall from 1983-2000. She died at home, surrounded by her family on Wednesday after a battle with cancer. An encourager, a prayer warrior, and a patient teacher, MamaVon was an example of Christ-centered living to all who knew her. 

​A memorial service was held Thursday, September 6 at 2:00 p.m at the East Hill Church of Christ, in York.

Video: Funeral Service

---

"Her humor, patience, wisdom, kindness, optimism, and love were completely unmatched," recalls Rachel (Forehand) Hanson '94, who lived in MamaVon's dorm. "As a young college student, I was a challenge to love. She loved me anyway. She saw potential in me and called me to higher and better things." 

​Niki (Wood ) Nowell '92 has a similar experience. "[MamaVon] told me once she loved me from the moment we met. That strong, patient woman poured love and guidance into me, a broken girl with too many holes in my bucket, and when I apologized for being so needy, she pulled me close and said that was nonsense. She saw the leader in me and gave me responsibilities, showing me I was capable."

Ron Shields, Avon's husband of 56 years, managed the York College bookstore and post office for many years. The couple's three children attended YC and two met their spouses on campus: Lynette '85 (Armando Gonzalez '91); Paul '86 (Shalee O'Rourke '94); and Alan '85. 

Obituary

Speakers at a women's event at East Hill in 2017. (l-r) Cheryl (Johnson) Mogul '93, Joanna (Overly) Carver '13, Leanna Hood) Hawley '83, and Avon Shields.

​​Avon Gail Shields, age 74, of York, NE passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 29, 2018 in her home surrounded by her family. She was born April 26, 1944 to Bailey Tom and Tennyson Dale (Yeager) Milliken in Alamosa, Colorado. On July 13, 1962, she was united in marriage to Ronald Earl Shields in Blythe, California. Avon was a dormitory supervisor at York College for 17 years, known and loved as MamaVon.

​She is survived by her husband Ronald of York, son Alan (Crystal) Shields of Belle Plaine, KS, daughter Lynnette (Armando) Gonzalez of Mead, KS, and son Paul (Shalee) Shields of Eagan, MN; grandchildren include: Zachary, Taegan, Ethan, Jadon, Elizabeth, and Elijah. She is also survived by her brother Curtis (Jeanice) Milliken of Harlan, IA, and sister Michael Ann (Keith) Peters of Henderson, NE.
 
She is preceded in death by her parents.
 
Memorial services are scheduled for 2:00 pm, Thursday, September 6, 2018 at the East Hill Church of Christ, York, with Minister Armando Gonzalez officiating. Private family internment will be held at a later date; there will be no viewing or visitation as it was Avon's wishes to be cremated.
 
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to York College or to Nebraska Youth Camp.
 
Online condolences may be sent to her family.  Metz Mortuary in York is handling arrangements.

---