Sylvia I. Vavra

1935 - 2025

Sylvia Ilene Vavra, 90, of Cambridge, MN was called home to heaven on Saturday, August 16, 2025 at GracePointe Crossing surrounded by family.

Sylvia was born on March 22, 1935 in Blooming Prairie, MN to Sam and Inez (Benson) Harms. Raised in Blooming Prairie as the oldest of 14, she spent her childhood helping to care for her younger siblings and working in the potato and onion fields- an experience that instilled in her a strong work ethic and a joy for the simple things in life. Sylvia married Ray Vavra on June 20, 1954. Sylvia was given 42 wonderful years with Ray, raising five children and faithfully building a life rooted in God while building their farm side by side in Cambridge, MN. She quickly became very involved in the community and was active in many clubs/ organizations including Pioneer Girls, Christian Women, Angel Tree, Homemakers group, and Family Pathways. After Ray passed away, she met and married Bill Burton on February 14, 1998 and they shared 24 years together. She cherished her children and the four wonderful in-laws who became part of the family, and she treasured her 22 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren. Before bedtime, she took great pride in praying for each family member, a habit she truly enjoyed and often joked about the challenge of remembering the ever-growing family.

Sylvia, at the age of 10, was at summer camp and accepted Christ as Lord and was then baptized. Her faith in Jesus was evident to everyone who knew her. She was a long-time member of First Baptist Church in Cambridge, MN. Throughout her time there, Sylvia devoted herself to serving within the church in various areas. Her favorites were teaching in Sunday School, welcoming others with a smiling face at the door each week, sharing her talent on the piano, singing in the choir, and helping her daughter, Sandy, with Wednesday night suppers to minister to the community.

Sylvia enjoyed being very active and busy. She always tended to be the last one to arrive to every occasion. Coffee was a must and what fueled her throughout the day. She couldn't wait for a party and would find any reason she could to bless you with a meal or bake you one of her delicious apple pies. Sylvia loved sewing, playing cards, gardening, canning, camping, strawberry picking, making lefse, and spending hours upon hours at a gym, pool, or field watching her grandchildren. Her heart was lifted by the sound of a brass band and the timeless beauty of hymns, and she could always be found singing wherever she went. She will be remembered for her ever-present joy, willingness to help, caring heart, and her infectious giggle.

Sylvia is survived by her children Randy (Karen) Vavra, Roger (Kelly) Vavra, Sandra (Jason) Abraham, Russ (Amy) Vavra; 22 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; step children Erica (Blake) Severin, Alan (Susan) Burton, and Karen Burton; brothers Sam Jr. (Judy) Harms, Tom (Becky) Harms; sisters Georgia McDougal, Judy (Jim) Burns, Sue Harms, Sally (Dave) Chapman, Lois (John) Durfey; many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Sylvia was preceded in death by her parents Sam and Inez Harms; husband Ray Vavra, husband Bill Burton; son Steven Vavra; grandson Stephen Vavra; siblings Thelma Hoeldtke, Sonja Myers, Gaylen Harms, Mary Grace, Jim Harms, and Paul Harms.

Please join us in celebrating the wonderful life and legacy of Sylvia Vavra. Memorial service 11AM, Saturday, August 23, 2025 at First Baptist Church in Cambridge. Visitation 4-7PM Friday, August 22, 2025 at Carlson-Lillemoen Funeral Home in Cambridge and one hour prior at church. Condolences at www.carlsonlillemoen.com.