Ava Laverna Bishop, nee Walker, 85, of Steelville, MO passed away Monday, December 7, 2009 at Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan, MO. She was born September 10, 1924 to Clyde and Virgie (Clonts) Walker in Scotia, Missouri. On March 5, 1943 in Potosi, MO, she and Kenneth Bishop were united in marriage and to this union four sons were born. Ava will be sadly missed by her husband, Kenneth of Steelville, MO; four sons, Ronald Bishop and wife Rosalee and Russell Bishop and wife Linda all of Steelville, MO; David Bishop and wife Ella of Potosi, MO and Dale Bishop of Ranchester, WY; one sister Florence Souders and husband, John of Fenton, MO; sisters-in-law, Fairy Bryan Walker of Bourbon, MO and Margaret Bishop; and brother-in-law, Ronnie Harris; seven grandchildren, Mary Corlett, Rebecca Bishop, Tracy Bishop, Thomas Bishop and wife Megan, Jason Bishop, Rusty Bishop and Matthew Bishop and wife Becca; eight great-grandchildren, Ashley, Bailey, Sarah, Joseph, Wyatt, RJ, Elaina and Goldie; many nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends and neighbors. She was preceded in death by her parents; one daughter-in-law, Roberta Bishop; one brother, Thomas Walker; one sister, Aileen Moutray and husband Raymond; brother-in-law, Joseph Bishop, Jr.; sisters-in-law, Ione Harris and Betty Walker. Ava worked for thirteen years at Brown Shoe Company and later as a substitute cook at the Steelville Middle School. She was an inactive member of the Jehovah's Witness Kingdom Hall of Bourbon. She was an outstanding wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who was cherished by family, church family, friends and neighbors alike. Her favorite pastimes were quilting, crocheting and cooking. She leaves behind many samples of her handy-work. The Family celebrates her life, cherish her memory, mourn her passing and realize that she has completed a journey that we all must make. Visitation was held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 10, 2009 at the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, MO. Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 11, 2009 at the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, MO with Elder Tim Hertel officiating. Special music of "Amazing Grace" was played by son, David Bishop, on harmonica and accompanied by Charles Harper on guitar. Committal prayer and burial were in the Liberty Cemetery. Those honored to be casket bearers were Jason Bishop, Rusty Bishop, Thomas Bishop, Carl Souders, Kenneth Blue and Gene Kimker. Memorials may be made to the Kingdom Hall at Bourbon, MO. The Family was served by the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home of Steelville, MO.