AVA - Gary Ray Fults, 66, of Ava, passed away on Friday, April 11, 2025, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri.

Gary was born in Dixon, Illinois, on June 27, 1958, the son of Rufus and Betty Love Fults. He married Elizabeth Glass on May 30, 1992.

Gary is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Fults of Ava; his daughter, Brittney (Eric) Compton of Ava, Kendra (Ryan) Vallett of Perryville, MO, Chelsea (Nick Schweizer) Fults of Ava, and Carly (Trenton Allhands) Fults of Ava; grandchildren, Tyler Compton, Zach Compton, Brynlea Keller, MyKenna Vallett, Hallea Keller, Paxton Allhands, Owen O'Bryan, Merick Vallett, and Wayllon Allhands; sisters, Leann Vogelsang of Carbondale and Lori Green of Indianapolis, IN; brother, Mike (Tosha) Fults of Ava; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Gary was preceded in death by his Parents and brother, Ronnie Fults.

Gary was so much more than just a Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, Uncle and Friend. His life is defined by his unwavering love, quick wit, generosity, endless stories and his farm. Gary found strength in the simple things in life. Gary had the value of hard work. He was from a long line of logging tradition. Gary spent many years working along side his brother, Mike and the Wilson Brothers. You never knew if you would see him behind the wheel of a semi hauling logs or in a skidder. He made sure "those logs got hauled" until his very last days. Gary had a love for old tractors and was always trying to make a deal. He was a Gentleman Rancher, who loved his Longhorns, that were treated more like pets than livestock. He was the declared founder and self proclaimed President of the Ava Neighborhood Watch program. Gary always had a story to tell and a wise crack to keep those around him laughing. Gary was the true definition of one who would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. Gary was the anchor of his family, the foundation upon which their love and happiness was built. He loved his wife, girls, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews and friends dearly.

The memories are endless. He lived life to the fullest. His Testament of strength and compassion will carry on. Gary's warm smile and comfort he brought to all will be missed.

Funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at 11:00 am, at Wilson's Funeral Home, Ava. Burial will follow at Ava Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation will be on Wednesday at Wilson's Funeral Home, Ava, from 5 pm until 8 pm, and on Thursday from 7:30 am until 11 am.