Avelina (Yanez) Hernandez

Avelina (Yanez) Hernandez, 85, of Parsons, died at 2:30 a.m., Thursday, April 10, 2014 at her home.

She was born November 10, 1928 in Parsons, Kansas to Romulo and Bernabe (Sanchez) Yanez. She grew up in Parsons where she attended school and was a 1960 graduate of Parsons Sr. High School.

She and José "Joe" Hernandez were married on November 27, 1948 in Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Parsons. In 1964, they moved to Independence where she earned her degree as a licensed practical nurse in 1964 from Chanute Junior College. In 1967, the family returned to Parsons where she attended Labette Community Junior College and earned her degree as a registered nurse in 1973 with Cum Laude honors.

Following nursing training, she worked at Mercy Hospital in Independence, Mercy Hospital, the Kansas Army Ammunition Plant and Labette County Medical Center, all in Parsons. At the age of 72, Avelina retired from LCMC.

She was an active member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Parsons and especially enjoyed her time in the Adoration Chapel and singing in the choir. She had taken photography classes, was an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan, and enjoyed gardening, cooking, traveling, Christmas Posadas and watching novelas. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, and adoring grandmother. Avelina especially enjoyed spending time with her family and friends.

Survivors include:

Three Sons – Thomas J. "Tom" Hernandez and wife, Carole; Nathan J. Hernandez, and Martin J. Hernandez all of Parsons, KS

Three Daughters – Sylvia M. Meza and husband, Paul of Anaheim, CA, Vivian M. Clark and her husband, Frank of Pittsburg, KS, Veronica M. Long and husband, Norman of Parsons, KS

Thirteen Grandchildren

Seventeen Great-Grandchildren

One Great-Great-Grandson

Two Brothers – Vincent and Elias Yanez of Parsons, KS

Two Sisters – Julia Towler of Kansas City, MO, and Mary Babcock of Colorado Springs, CO

She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Hernandez on February 8, 2010; three brothers, Jesse, Rojelio and Ruben Yanez; three sisters, Transito Fuentez, Lupé Hernandez and Frances Hernandez; and one great-grandson, Yairan Thompson.

The funeral Mass will be at 10:00 a.m., Monday, April 14, 2014 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Parsons. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. The rosary will be prayed at 6:30 p.m., Sunday, at the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons. The family will receive friends at 7:00 p.m., Sunday, at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to St. Patrick School Endowment Fund or St. Patrick Catholic Church Building Fund. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.