We are heartbroken to announce that our beautiful 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 received her Bachelor of Arts from Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH, where she met her soulmate and life partner, Kern Henry Rash II, in 1976. The young couple married in 1978 and settled in California, where they commenced their careers and raised their 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. For Avis, teaching was a sacred profession. She could have taught anywhere but chose to serve in underserved school districts. For almost three decades, Avis taught in the San Bernardino City Unified School District at both Rio Vista and Roger Anton Elementary schools. Avis loved teaching kindergarten and first grade, and 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. Avis brought immense joy to her family and friends, and she will be remembered for her tremendous bond with her loved ones. 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.

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 lives on in all of us.

Avis leaves to cherish her memory and carry on her light and legacy 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 cousins, relatives, and friends.