Kelly Jo Avery

Chronicle Staff

Published: Wednesday, November 5th, 2008

Kelly Jo Avery was born Aug. 22, 1969, to George P. and Janelle (Karpiak) Avery in Newcastle, Wyo. She graduated from Upton (Wyo.) High School in 1987 and later from Gillette School of Cosmetology in Gillette, Wyo.  She lived in Scotland with her mother and step-father for many years and traveled widely throughout the UK, Norway and Europe. After returning to the U.S., she lived on a ranch outside Upton with her mother, step father and step brothers. On Oct. 30, 2008, Kelly died in Custer, S.D. She was 39. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Peter and Elizabeth (Betty) Perovanovic and Les and Mae Avery; also Clara Philbrick of Newcastle, Wyo.; and an uncle, Jimmy Karpiak of Chicago. Survivors include her mother, Janelle Avery of Stuart, Fla.; father, George Avery of Wendover, Nev.; brother, George Avery of Douglas, Wyo.; children, Layne, Cole and Payton Barton of Plano, Texas; step father, B.J. Ankeney of Newcastle; aunt, Ann Perovanovic of Denver; uncle, Michael Perovanovic of Orland Park, Ill.; and cousins.   In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to the Make-A-Wish Foundation in Kelly’s name. Written condolences may be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.