Sandra Marie Avery, age 78 of Burlington, Iowa, passed away Thursday November 14, 2019 at her home. She was born June 11, 1941 in Macomb, Illinois, the daughter of Leroy and Jennie Walston Snowden. On August 18, 1962, she married Larry Avery in Burlington. He preceded her in death on September 8, 2004.

Mrs. Avery was employed at Shaeffer Pen Company in Fort Madison for thirty years, until it's closing. Later, she worked as a CNA at a Fort Madison nursing home for several years. She then retired and moved to Burlington. She served as an officer and member of the UAW during her time at Shaeffer Pen Company. She enjoyed playing cards, antiques, auctions, watching old westerns on television, spending time with her friends and family, and especially loved her dog, Wally.

Survivors include two daughters, Stacy Avery of Austin, TX, Kathy Jo Avery of Jacksonville, NC, and one brother, Gene (Debbie) Snowden of Burlington. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, one sister, Tula Maxine Walters, and three brothers, Bob, Dick, and Jim Snowden.

Cremation has been entrusted to Banks & Beals Funeral Home of Stronghurst, IL. The family is planning a Celebration of Life gathering from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. Wednesday November 20, 2019 in the community room at Autumn Heights Apartments, 2830 Winegard Drive, Burlington, IA. Private interment of ashes will be later in the Stronghurst Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the Des Moines County Animal Shelter. Please visit banksandbeals.com to sign the guest book and leave a condolence.