Avis was born on January 20, 1935, in Kellogg, Iowa to William R. and Gussie E. Boese Crockett. She was raised in Kellogg and graduated from Kellogg High School. On July 28, 1956, she was married to Raymond L. Haines in Grinnell. The family lived in Grinnell and moved to Gilman in 1961. She worked as a seamstress for the DeLong's Sportswear Company for over 20 years. Avis enjoyed gardening, yard work and feeding the birds and squirrels. She also enjoyed country music and dancing. Survivors include her son, Russell(Pam) Haines of Marshalltown; one daughter, Joyce Haines of Grinnell; seven grandchildren; and two great grandsons. She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; one daughter, Connie Lee Haines; three half sisters; and three half brothers.