Avola Fitzwater

Avola Lutisha Fitzwater, 94, passed away peacefully on May 25, 2026, in Dothan, Alabama. She was born on February 27, 1932, to Joseph (Elisha) and Helen Botts.

Avola lived a full and adventurous life rooted in love for her family, music, and the outdoors. She was known for her joyful spirit, strong work ethic, and the warmth she shared with everyone she met. Her life was a beautiful reflection of resilience, devotion, and celebration.

She worked for both Boeing and Cessna from the 1950s through the 1990s, where she built lasting friendships and took pride in her work. Outside of her career, Avola found happiness in playing the accordion, singing, water skiing, cards, dominoes, and spending time enjoying the beauty of the outdoors. Whether surrounded by family, sharing music, or enjoying nature, she embraced life with enthusiasm and heart.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Clarence D. Fitzwater; her children, Mary Ging, Cherry Walker, Debbie Fuzzell, and Billy Bob Groom; and her siblings, Ruby Fitzwater, Ruth Hersch (Lee), Ola Mae, Ike Botts, Albert Botts, and Fami Cochran.

Left to cherish her memory are her children: Marsha Fitzwater, Melodie Bruns (Alan), Marty Fitzwater (Lana), and Eileen Downen (Rick).

She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Shawn Armstrong (Theresa), Kandra Armstrong, Chris Armstrong (Melinda), Matt Hill (Fran), Jackie Roberts (Eric), Will Maddox, Rachel Moore (Larry), Jennifer Scritchfield (Shane), Veronica Patton (Kevin), Jason Bruns (Anna), Tim Hayes, Jeremy Walker (Sharon), Casey Walker, Sabrina Jones (Caleb), Lennon Behrhorst, Dakota Fuzzell, Chloe Fuzzell, Harley Downen, Letisha Wade, Danny Downen (Cynthia), Nate Downen (Cristina), Sabrina Jones (Caleb), Ranessa Fitzwater, Shae Bobo (Devin) along with many great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, extended family members, and dear friends.

Avola will be remembered for her adventurous and competitive spirit, her love of family, and the joy she brought to every gathering. Her legacy lives on in the memories she created the songs she sang and played, and the love she gave so freely.

A celebration of life service will be held on Friday, June 12, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Evidence Church at 11135 W. Kellogg Dr., Wichita, KS. Visitation will be from 11-1.

Floral tributes may be sent to Culbertson-Smith Mortuary 115 S. Seneca Street, Wichita KS 67213, in Memory of Avola Fitzwater.

The family wishes to thank everyone for the love, prayers, and support shown during this time.