Ava Marie Mickelson September 9, 2004 - October 30, 2022

On Sunday, October 30th, 2022, Ava Marie Mickelson, wonderful daughter, sister, and friend, passed away at the age of 18.

Ava was born on September 9th, 2004 in Provo, Utah to David S. and Alena M. (Smith) Mickelson. Ava moved to Springville at age 3 and then to Spanish Fork at age 14. She was finishing her senior year when it was cut short due to a sudden onset of leukemia which she battled bravely.

She was a curious girl, interested in everything. Ava loved experiencing life. She had interests in cross country, basketball, soccer, volleyball, hiking, dancing, Zumba, calligraphy, ceramics, painting, drawing, music (especially country), viola, ukulele, piano, selling flowers, bird watching, Hope Squad, drama, teaching, traveling, history, American Sign Language, photography, movies, young adult romance and other books, dogs, popcorn, milk, candy, orange chicken, making bacon at 2 am, boys, school, Super Nuke, taking secret selfies on other people’s phones, singing louder than other people, delivering kind gifts to others, and so much more.

Her family was important to her and she showed it. While she gave them the expected heartburn occasionally, she was an exceptional child. She brought fun, warmth, and light into the home. As the oldest child, she had a special bond with each of her siblings. She made sure to create fun individual memories and loved gathering everyone together to play games, watch movies, talk, sing, and just be silly together. Almost as close as a sibling was Charlie, the family dog. Ava spent many hours in the last few years training Charlie, taking him on walks, and bringing him to the dog park.

If a person met Ava then they were as good as friends. She touches the lives of countless people. She searched out those who were in need and loved to bring little gifts to them. Ava spent countless hours helping people work through their challenges, difficulties, and trials. She was a trusted friend. But it wasn’t a one way street. Her friends ministered to her in individual and unique ways throughout her life. They gave her energy and opened her up to new experiences.

There was no one more important to Ava than Jesus Christ. At a young age, she decided to be one of His followers. She would proudly and regularly declare her love for Him. She was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her greatest desire was to serve a full-time mission and was actively preparing for the experience. She also loved going to the many temples in our area and went regularly on her own and with others. She would often gather groups of friends to go, and loved to invite people who she hadn’t been with before. One of Ava’s lasting legacies will be how she helped others feel the Savior’s love.

Ava is survived by her parents, David and Alena, and her siblings, Grace (15), Jake (12), and Allie (9). She loved her extended family very much including her grandparents, Dwight and Ruth Mickelson, and Alan and Dena Smith, her aunts and uncles, Brian and Janese Mickelson, Jon and Dominique Mickelson, Steven and Mindy Mickelson, Patrick and Shannon McClain, Ryan and Sheri Johnson, Sandi Fletcher, Troy and Julia Smith, and Jared and Stacey Price. Ava had lots of cousins and loved them dearly.

A memorial service, celebrating Ava’s life, will be held Saturday, November 5th, at 2 pm at the Spanish Fork Utah Palmyra stake center located at 505 E 900 N, Spanish Fork, UT 84660. The viewing will be held for family and friends from 12 pm until 1:45 pm. She will be laid to rest at the Spanish Fork City Cemetery following the memorial service.