AVOTINS, Mirjama M. (Miriam)

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ August 13, 2009 Mirjama M. "Miriam" Avotins, 76, died early Saturday morning, Aug. 8, 2009, at the Summit Healthcare Regional Medical Center in Show Low. Miriam was born March 4, 1933, in Riga, Latvia, to the late Rudolf Valdemar and Alma (Mednis) Avotins. The Avotins family came to America while she was yet a young girl. After graduating high school, Miriam enrolled at the University of Minnesota and graduated with a nursing degree. Miriam truly devoted her entire life to the service of others and over the years eased the pain and suffering of literally thousands of people. She moved to Arizona around 1957 and worked for many years as a registered nurse for the Maricopa County Health Department in Phoenix. Following her retirement, Miriam moved to the cool White Mountains in eastern Arizona, making Lakeside her home. She loved the beautiful mountain scenes of this part of the state and took advantage of the many lakes in the area, as she truly loved to fish. Miriam also was very fond of all animals. She especially loved the many dogs and cats that she owned over the years as they proved to be comforting companions to her. She is survived by a brother, Pete (Pat) Avotins of Pismo Beach, Calif.; sister Dagmar (James "Casey") Tibbs of Scottsdale; two nieces, four nephews and numerous grand nieces and nephews. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends. A public visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m.. Monday, Aug. 10, at Owens Livingston Mortuary, White Mountain Chapel, 320 N. 9th St. in Show Low. Funeral services will begin at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 11, also at Owens Livingston Mortuary. Contributions to the American Heart Association or the Arizona Humane Society have been suggested by her family. Owens Livingston Mortuary of Show Low handled the arrangements. For those who have special memories and would like to send private condolences or sign an online guest book, visit www.owenslivingstonmortuary.com.