Come celebrate with us as we cherish Ava's life and commemorate her final ride on her beloved horse Gimli at 6:00 pm, Friday, July 11, 2025 at Sunset Hills Bison Ranch,1307 400th Avenue, Malcom, IA 50157. Afterwards you are welcome to stay and have a celebratory s'more on a campfire in her honor if you would like. Please wear your Ava shirts if you ordered them, or any other western attire you might have. Ava wasn't a fancy type so please come as you are!

We will only be having her horse Gimli allowed for safety reasons. Parking will be directed and you will be shuttled to the celebration area.

On Monday, April 7th, 2025, our beloved Ava Marie Kane entered the Kingdom of Heaven, bringing with her the warmth of her spirit and the love she shared during her time with us. Now, she basks in the glorious presence of Jesus, free from the struggles that once defined her earthly journey. Her body, once worn down by low oxygen levels and pain, is now restored and vibrant, filled with the glory of heavenly horseback rides and laughter that knows no bounds.

While the ache of missing her is profound, our hearts find solace in knowing that she has embraced her newfound freedom and wholeness. Ava, born on Friday, February 21st, 2014, filled our lives with joy and meaning during her beautiful 11 years on this earth. Her parents, April and Jeramie, feel incredibly blessed to have shared this journey with her, as do all those whose lives she touched. Ava's light will forever shine in our hearts, and her memory will be a source of comfort and inspiration for all of us who love her.

Ava entered this world as a beacon of beauty, yet her journey was not without its challenges. With grace and unwavering strength, she exemplified how to embrace life fully, despite the hurdles she faced. Diagnosed at birth with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS), Ava had only half of a functioning heart. This reality meant a life filled with open-heart surgeries, numerous appointments with cardiologists and pulmonologists, and a heightened need to be cautious about germs, especially during cold and flu season. What truly set Ava apart was her immense spirit and devotion for advocacy. She took pride in sharing her story with anyone who would listen, even a stranger, welcoming anyone into her life. Whether it was speaking in front of her elementary school at the American Heart Association's Iowa chapter Kid's Heart Challenge or participating in the Heart Heroes Heart Run/Walk, Ava touched hearts and inspired others with her resilience. Her genuine love for life and deep desire to find a cure for children like herself fueled her mission. Everywhere she went, Ava spread her story and her radiant smile, leaving a lasting impact on everyone she encountered. She reminded us all of the importance of hope, compassion, and the strength we can find in our shared struggles.

Ava's heart was brimming with a love for advocacy, but her true passion was always rooted in her dreams of horses. She often found herself daydreaming about her cherished horse, Gimli, and all the exciting adventures they would embark on together. The thought of becoming an English rider, especially in show jumping, filled her with delight, especially since Gimli was perfectly trained for it. Just imagining the thrill of soaring over jumps with him sparked a sense of excitement that was hard to contain.

Ava's connection to the world around her was one of warmth and empathy. She believed in the power of kindness, forgiveness, and acceptance, which she practiced daily in her life. Her genuine spirit and unwavering enthusiasm inspired everyone who crossed her path, reminding us all of the importance of pursuing our passions and seeking joy in each moment. Ava's dreams and love for life were contagious, encouraging others to follow their own hearts with courage and bliss.

Ava is survived by her loving parents; Peaches her cat; Gimli her horse; brothers Jeramie(Zoe) Kane of Delta, IA; Tylor(Faith) Kane of Baxter, IA; nephews Walker Kane and Cooper Kane; Aunt Holly(Blake) Esbeck of Atlantic, IA; cousins Elijah Carlson and Lydia Esbeck; grandparents Chuck and Diane Anderson of Marne, IA; Great Aunt Donna Haler of Waukee, IA; Aunt Emily(Allen) Shepherd of Des Moines, IA; cousins Allen and Mason Shepherd; Aunt Jennifer(Mike Furgison) Kane of Carlisle, IA; cousin Fontana Furgison; numerous friends that she adopted as special family members (you know who you are); special heart friends Josiah and Ollie; and all those who love and cherish her just as much as we do, too numerous to list. Ava was preceded in death by her paternal grandfather Roy Lee Kane; great uncle Charlie Misner; and heart angels, Daxtyn Nelson and Dakota Whitlatch.