Avis was born June 6, 1965 in Sioux City, the daughter of George and Illetta (Teaque) Barclay. She grew up in the Riverside area and graduated from West High School in 1983. On February 28, 1987 Avis was united in marriage to Richard E. Spidell and in this union they were blessed with two children.

Avis worked as a waitress at Theo's Steakhouse for over 10 years and then worked at the Dollar General Store for 10 years, and for the last 6 years was currently working at Red Robin. During her spare time she enjoyed going camping and fishing with her family and doing her diamond art.

Avis is survived by her husband Rick, son Troy and his wife Saron, daughter, Ciara Spidell, grandchildren, Logan McFarland and Keona Mae Ackerman and her brother, Franklin Barclay.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Darryl Barclay and infant sister, Marjorie Ann Barclay.