Avis Lenora Rash (69) passed away on July 9, 2026, at her home in Yucaipa, CA.
Born on September 8, 1956, in Norfolk, Virginia, Avis was the second child of the late Jacqueline Arlene Banks and Edward James Banks, Jr. Avis accepted Christ at a very early age. She attended grade schools 29 and 66, and graduated with high honors from Shortridge High School in Indianapolis, IN. Avis earned her Bachelor of Arts from Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire. It was there, in 1976, that she met her soulmate and lifelong partner, Kern Henry Rash II. The young couple married in 1978 and settled in California, where they commenced their careers and raised their two children while building a life filled with family dinners, preparing lesson plans, and after-school sports.

From a young age, Avis had a passion for teaching young people. Teaching was a sacred profession for her. She could have taught anywhere; but, chose to teach in an underserved school district. For almost three decades, Avis taught in the San Bernardino City Unified School District at Rio Vista and Roger Anton Elementary Schools. Her passion was teaching kindergarten and first grade. As a result, she poured herself into thousands of students, providing them with a strong foundation for academic success and lifelong learning. She received numerous awards and accolades for her dedication and performance in teaching. Her classroom was a second home to hundreds of students who, in addition to reading and writing, learned resilience and kindness. Avis believed every child deserves excellent teachers, a quality education, and a safe classroom.

Family was EVERYTHING to Avis. She was known for her warmth, peaceful spirit, infectious laugh, and generous heart. She brought immense joy to her family and friends, and she will be remembered for her tremendous bond with her loved ones. She was the embodiment of grace, extending kindness, compassion, and love to everyone she encountered. She enjoyed cooking, gardening, exercising, traveling, and home innovation projects with Kern. Kern and Avis were married for 48 loving years, and together they instilled hope and direction in the children they encountered and taught as well as their own.

Avis devoted her life to her children, instilling in them a strong work ethic and gratitude. She deeply loved and was adored by her five grandchildren. She exuded a constant sense of caring and showed us how to find joy in the little moments. She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and compassion that all of us are proud to possess.

Left to cherish her memory and carry forward her light are her two devoted children: Karma Arlene Duffy (Marques) and Kern Henry Rash III (Dina); grandchildren: Jonah Christian Duffy, Cyrus John Duffy, Genesis Lenora Duffy, Kern Henry Rash IV, and Eli Henry Rash; sister: Vanita Maria Banks; brother: Carlos Edwin Banks (Jamyce); cousin: Yvonne Harris (Fred); sisters-in-law: Karen Jones (Marvin) and Rubye McIntosh (Everett); and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.