Martha Avanell Siler, age 81, of the Doole community, passed away on Monday, April 27, 2026, in Eden, Texas. Avenell, as she was known by most, was born on December 13, 1944, in Roscoe, Texas, to Ira Oliver and Eulamae (Hefner) Oliver. She graduated from San Marcos School and attended Southwest Texas State University where she received her bachelor’s degree and attended Angelo State University where she did her graduate work. She married David Siler on May 30, 1969, in Hobbs, Texas. Avanell was a lifetime educator, teaching at Taft, Lamesa, Paint Rock, Brady, and Central Texas College.
After retirement, she spent time ranching, raising Santa Gertrudis cattle and watching her grandchildren participate in sporting events and livestock shows. She was a member of the Santa Gertrudis Cattle Association, served as treasurer of the Coleman County Cattlewoman and secretary-church clerk of the Melvin Baptist Church. She was a member of Melvin Baptist Church.
Funeral services for Martha Avanell Siler will be held at 11:00am, Monday, May 4, 2026, at Leatherwood Memorial Chapels in Brady. Interment will follow at the Melvin Cemetery. The family will receive friends Monday morning, prior to services, from 10:00am to 11:00am at Leatherwood Memorial Chapels in Brady. Friends may view Avanell’s Memorial Video Tribute and/or sign her online memorial guest book at www.leatherwoodmemorialchapels.com. Pallbearers will be Clay Jones, Grant Jones, Tracy Pitcox, Chris James, Bryan Page, and Jerry Brooks.
Avanell is survived by her loving husband of 56 years David; son Tim Siler and wife Rebecca; grandchildren Rance, Emma, Bethany, Addison, and Grace; several nieces, nephews, and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, and sisters Lawana Brockman and Willie Rae Moffit. Memorial contributions in memory of Martha Avanell Siler may be made to Melvin Cemetery Association, 704 Noyes, Melvin, Texas 76858 and/or Melvin Baptist Church, P.O. Box 3, Doole, Texas 76836. The family would like to express special thanks to Concho Health and Rehab and to Gentiva Hospice.
