Tanja Kay Avila

Tanja Kay Avila, 75, affectionately known as “TK” to most and “Auntie T” to the younger ones, went to her new home in Heaven on Thursday, December 25, 2025.

TK was born on October 16, 1950, in Groom, Texas, to Leroy and Estellene Weatherly. After graduating from high school, she embraced life with a free spirit, often hitchhiking between Groom, Amarillo, and Lubbock, a testament to her adventurous nature and fearless independence.

She began her working career at Hall Foundry in Lubbock, where she manufactured bases for street poles. In the late 1970s, TK discovered her true calling in aviation while working at Bell Helicopter in Amarillo, repairing and working on aircraft. Her skills and dedication later took her to E-Systems in Greenville, Texas, where she had the rare opportunity to work on Air Force One.

In 1985, TK began working at Braniff Airlines in Dallas, Texas, a move that would change her life forever. It was there she met the man who stole her heart, Jim Avila. The two were married on October 17, 1987, beginning a loving partnership that spanned decades.

In 2000, TK and Jim moved to Florida, and in 2012, they returned to Texas, settling into their home at Lake Ransom Canyon, a place that brought her great joy and peace.

TK is survived by her loving husband, Jim Avila; her brother, Monte (Janet) Weatherly; her nephew, Aaron (Kasaha) Weatherly and their children, Kaybri and Layken; and her niece, Ashleigh (Dustin) Fite and their children, Sawyer and Gunnar.

TK had a deep love for her family, animals, and her cherished craft room, where countless works of art were created. Her creativity, adventurous spirit, and kind heart will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Groom Cemetery.