Arvia graduated from Crane, MO High School in 1958 where she was a cheerleader and class leader. She and her family then moved to Guymon, OK where she attended Oklahoma Panhandle State University in Goodwell. She graduated with a Bachelor Degree in Education. It was there that she met the love of her life, Ronald DeSpain. They married on August 25, 1961 and had 48 incredible years together, until Ron’s passing in 2010.
Arvia was a beloved teacher at elementary schools in Liberal, KS, Monte Vista, CO, Bushland, TX and completed her career at Highland Park School in Amarillo, TX. She retired in the fall of 2000 to care for Ron after he suffered a debilitating stroke.
Mrs. DeSpain had a beautiful soprano voice and enjoyed singing with the choirs at the various churches she attended. She was frequently asked to sing solos, especially “One Day at a Time” and “Oh Holy Night”.
Arvia was an avid sports fan and was a huge supporter at her children and grandchildrens’ sporting events, especially football and basketball. She loved the Caprock Longhorns, Highland Park Hornets, Atascocita Eagles, and New Caney Eagles.
Mrs. DeSpain was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald DeSpain in 2010 and her beloved daughter Tricia Mize in 2020. Her parents, her parents in-law, several brothers in-law and sisters in-law also predeceased her. We know she is having a joyous reunion with them all!
She is survived by her daughter, Teri Meil of Texas City, TX, her sons Timothy and Christi DeSpain of Houston, TX, and Todd and Michelle DeSpain of Katy, TX. She is also survived by grandsons Michael and Samarah Meil, Mark and Tasha Meil, Brett Meil and Madision Simmons, Wilson Beck and Hailey DeSpain, Tyler and Kira DeSpain, Taylor DeSpain, Justin Williams, and Mason Mize; granddaughters Madison Claer DeSpain and Jason Chapman, and Micha Mize; her great-grandson Connor McLaughlin and her great-granddaughters Adelyn DeSpain, Taegan Meil and Journey Meil; her sisters Ann LaBreck of Omaha, NE and Nancy and Mike Hale of Council Bluffs, IA; her sister in-law Louise Armstrong of Cunningham, KS and her brother in-law John and RaJeanna DeSpain of Goodwell, OK, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Visitation and reception will be held Friday, February 3, 2023 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 6969 I40 East in Amarillo, TX. Funeral Services will be Saturday, February 4, 2023 in the chapel at Memorial Park with burial to follow.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or a favorite charity.
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