Avanelle Hooks (97) of Altamont

(Grace) Avanelle Hooks (nee Dowds), 97, of Altamont, died peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, May 15, 2022 at 8:52 p.m. at Lutheran Care Center, Altamont.

Avanelle was born Friday, August 15, 1924 to George and Grace (Bailey) Dowds. She graduated from Altamont High School in 1943, and worked at Grobengieser’s store before she was married. Avanelle married Melvin Hooks on April 21, 1946 (Easter Sunday) upon his return from his service in Europe during War World II. Despite the fact that he had tried to marry her before he left, she refused stating “it would be easier to lose a boyfriend than a husband.” The two newlyweds then moved to the Hooks family farm, in rural Mason, where they had two children, David and Wilma. Melvin died on November 7, 1975, and soon after Avanelle moved into Altamont. She began working at Stuckey’s where she baked pies, and other assorted goodies. Though she only worked at Stuckey’s for a few years, she continued to bake for nearly the entire town of Altamont, especially with her Hawaiian Nut Bread, which she would generously share nearly 100 loaves each Christmas season. Avanelle then began working at S&W grocery store, where she was famous for her “Granny’s Ham Salad.” She tried retiring (several times) but would continue to go to the store whenever they ran out. In her free time, she enjoyed sewing quilts, baking, and making countless types of freezer jam.

Avanelle is survived by her son, David (Gayle) Hooks of Mason; grandson, Adam Hooks and greatgranddaughter, Lucy Buckley-Hooks of Iowa City, Iowa; granddaughter, Johanna Hooks and great-granddog, Cheese (whom she adored) of St. Elmo; sister-in-law, Eugenia Hooks of Mason; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by; her husband Melvin and daughter Wilma; siblings, Henry Dowds, Alice Durbin, Wayne Dowds, and twin sister Annabelle Shelton. The family would like to thank the staff of Luther Terrace and Lutheran Care Center for their loving care of her in her final years.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 24, 2022 at Gieseking Funeral Home, Altamont, with Steve Neville officiating. Burial will follow at Union Cemetery. Visitation will be held two hours prior to service time at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Lutheran Care Center. Online condolences may be expressed by clicking here.