Avon L. Hartford, 85, of Elkhart, passed away Saturday, April 21, 2018 at Hubbard Hill. She was born February 14, 1933 in Elk Valley, Tennessee, the daughter of (the late) Henry & Viola (Baker) Silcox. Avon married Clark G. Hartford of Elmhurst IL on December 28, 1957 in Elk Valley.  He survives after 60 years of marriage. Avon began teaching in a one classroom schoolhouse in Tennessee, followed by other schools in Tennessee and Indiana (they moved to Elkhart in 1960). She spent a total of 37 years teaching, of which the last 28 years were teaching students with special needs after completing her Master's Degree in Special Education at Indiana University-South Bend. Avon taught at West Noble Middle School and South Bend Community School Corp. A member of New Life Church, she loved working in the nursery and with children. She had a "green thumb" and enjoyed floral & vegetable gardening.  Avon was preceded in death by her parents; infant daughters, Carol Ann and Marsha Kay; her son-in-law, James Buck and also by 2 brothers. In addition to her husband Clark, Avon is survived by their children, Michael (Sandy) Hartford of Benton Harbor MI, Galen Hartford of Elkhart, Brian (Thuvan) Hartford of Grand Rapids MI and Kimberly Buck of Elkhart; grandchildren, Haylie (Jacob) Hinsey, Noah Buck, Ava & Nicolas Hartford and great-granddaughter, Juliet Hinsey. Funeral Services 11:00am Friday April 27, 2018 in New Life Church, 11593 McKinley Hwy. with calling one hour prior to services in the church. Calling also on Thursday from 5-8pm at Chapel Hill Funeral Home, 10776 McKinley Hwy. Burial in Warren Memorial Gardens (New Stanfield Cemetery) in Elk Valley, Pioneer, Tennessee with graveside services Saturday at 3:00pm. The family's preferred memorials are New Life Church, 11593 McKinley Hwy. Osceola IN 46561; World Vision, P.O. Box 9716, Federal Way WA 98063 and Heifer International, 1 World Ave, Little Rock AR, 72202. To share a remembrance of Avon or to offer condolences to her family, please visit www.chapelhillmemorial.com.