Ava's Life in Photos

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Ava Lee Crews was born on October 14, 2007. From the moment she was born, you knew she was an old soul. Ava lived her life with beauty and grace, she stood up for what was right, loved with her whole heart and was fiercely loyal to those she cared about. Her friendships meant the world to her, with many of her closest friends having been by her side since kindergarten. She saved every card she was given and dried the flowers that she received, with all of them displayed in a treasured place in her room. Ava loved flowers and she loved the sentiment of handwritten words from her friends and family. The treasures Ava showcased were all about her appreciation for the love she shared with others. 

Throughout Ava’s life, she was so lucky to have an extraordinary group of family members, teachers, mentors, coaches and role models. She attended Chickadee Montessori for preschool, then Sauvie Island School with a small class of kids from Kindergarten through 8th grade graduation, and then on to Scappoose High School. Her sister and parents meant the world to her, as did the many other people that made her into the young woman we all adored. She loved spending time with her cousins, aunts, uncles, Papa, Babi, Grammy, Grampa and Grandma and they all took great pride in her.  However, it was her little sister Lolo who meant the most. From the time Lolo was born Ava took her role as a big sister very seriously. Caring for her, sharing the spotlight with her, and frequently using her as a prop in her impromptu living-room performances. Despite being almost six years apart in age, Ava’s love for Lolo never faltered as she progressed through her teenage years.

Ava was a talented equestrian and learned so much from her time in the barn. She was a longtime member of 4H and qualified for state level competitions in 4H and the Oregon High School Equestrian Team. For her, it was about the process of mastering the skill, spending quality time with her mom and having fun with her horse girls. Ava passed her love of horses on to her little sister, Lolo, and put faith in her to take over her beloved horse Joey. Ava also loved to be healthy. She regularly worked out at the gym, ate healthy foods, loved Kombucha and Immunity Shots, and embraced a natural lifestyle. But she also regularly enjoyed “Trader Joe’s Takis”, Dave’s Hot Chicken, Taco Bell Nacho Fries, Ferrero Rocher, and ranch flavored corn nuts with her friends. We never once had to ask Ava to clean her room because she took such pride in keeping it organized and beautiful, like her. She was especially proud of Sapphire, her Ford Ranger, and was easily recognized driving around town. 

Ava’s life was full. She loved seeing live music or singing in the car with her dad, and catching a play or having brunch with her mom.  She spent much of her childhood visiting beaches, and enjoying the rivers, lakes and mountains of Oregon and Washington with her family. The Deschutes River was one of Ava’s favorite places. She loved to travel, especially to warm places with beaches. She had adventures in Thailand, Arizona, New York City, the Florida Keys, Las Vegas, Disneyland, The Redwoods, and earlier this year went on an adventure to Costa Rica with her dad. Ava had dreams to travel the world and was planning a European adventure for her senior trip. She shared simple joys with her friends like trips to Crumbl Cookie and Salt n Straw, shopping, laying on the beach, eating sushi, going to “the bins”, and just hanging out in her room. Her friends did not need to knock on the door at our house.

Ava worked at an afterschool program for kids five days a week and she loved her job. In the short time she worked there, Ava made a deep impact on her students and colleagues. She has felt a desire to support the positive mental health of young people and her dream was to study Child Psychology at the University of Oregon. 

Ava lost her life on May 18, 2025 in a tragic Utility Terrain Vehicle accident at the age of just 17 years old. She is deeply missed by all those who knew her and we are committed to honoring her beautiful life and legacy.