Sep. 3, 1980 - Jun. 21, 2026
Date of Service: Jun. 30, 2026
PAUL – Jada Lee West Avila, age 45, of Paul, passed away Sunday, June 21, 2026, at her home in Paul, surrounded by her family.
Jada entered this world on September 3, 1980. Jada passed away on June 21, 2026, the summer solstice and the beginning of her favorite season. It seems only fitting that her life would be forever connected to summer, for she carried its warmth, brightness, and love of sunshine with her wherever she went. She was born to Lori Durfee Anderson and Malcolm West of Rupert, Idaho. Lori fondly remembers her as a calm and gentle child, mellow in spirit, with a deep love for her family and a tender heart for all animals.
In 1988, Jada’s family grew with the arrival of her only sibling, Brandon West, who would become not only her brother, but her lifelong best friend. Jada attended Pershing Elementary, then East Middle School, and graduated from Minico Hich School in 1998. Jada was a member of the Minico Micadettes and Minidoka Co. Horse 4-H. In 1997, Jada joined with Lalo Avila, beginning a love story that would become the most meaningful part of her life. Of all the relationships in Jada’s life, none was more significant than the one she shared with Lalo.
On July 9, 2010, they were married, building a life rooted in love and devotion, and together they were blessed with three beautiful children: Austin, Adam, and Ariah. Like all truly beautiful love stories, theirs was marked by seasons of hardship, moments of joy, and a love that remained deep, enduring, and unforgettable. They raised their children in Paul and Rupert, building a solid foundation which is witnessed in the incredible demeanors and hearts of their children today.
Jada showed her love through her cooking, and although not every meal was a masterpiece, every dish was made with her whole heart. She had a joyful spirit and a love for adventure, whether she was fishing, camping, traveling, taking road trips with her family, or seizing any chance to play the air guitar. Jada knew how to make life memorable and never passed up an opportunity to make the most of a moment, especially when it meant bringing happiness to those she loved. Above all, she was an incredible wife, mother, daughter, sister, and aunt– her home was always open to her many nieces and nephews, who were loved deeply and welcomed as her own.
Jada left her mark in every role she held, including her work at The HUB, Raukar Institute, A+ Solutions, and finally as a beloved third grade teacher at Heyburn Elementary. There, her students will remember her as a calm and gentle presence whose kindness, patience, and quiet strength made an everlasting impact on the many children who loved her. Jada never stopped reaching for the stars and earned her bachelor’s degree in both Psychology and Sociology. Completing her education was deeply important to Jada, not only as a personal dream fulfilled, but to show her children that with determination, faith, and perseverance, they could accomplish anything they set their hearts to. She was a woman of strength and courage-someone who always found a way forward and never stopped reaching for her dreams. Her life reminds us to love deeply, laugh freely, welcome adventure, and make the most of every moment we are given.
Though we will miss her more than words can say, we will carry her strength, her light, and her love with us always.
Jada is survived by her parents, Malcolm and Lori; her brother, Brandon (Manda) West; her husband, Lalo Jr.; and her three children, Austin, Adam, and Ariah. She is survived by her in-laws, Lalo Sr. and Tammy Avila, Maria (Brandon) Jones, Jose (Kallie) Avila, Emily (Cody) Kelly, Travis (Sarah) Avila, and Anna (Sean) Anderson; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her two girls, Bella and Daisy.
Jada was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Alvin and Faye West; her maternal grandparents, Harold and Bea Durfee; and her sister-in-law, Rachel Avila.
Her family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to The Huntsman Cancer Institute, Intermountain Hospice (Nurse Kay), and the many members of her medical team. As well, the family would like to thank ALL who have expressed condolences, sent food and flowers, and shared in remembrance and memories.
In her last year of life, Jada loved the song, “Tough People” where she gracefully embodied her favorite verse:
“Oh, there’s a whole lotta bad in the world out there
and it’s hard to keep goin’; when it don’t seem fair
Keep on fighting when you’re back’s against the wall
Keep on getting back up when you fall
Keep on keeping your head held high
‘Cause I still believe
Hard work pays off
Good beats evil
And tough times make tough people.”
The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 30, at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, located at 802 F St., in Rupert, with the Rev. Father Camilo Garcia as Celebrant. Burial will follow at Paul Cemetery.
An evening viewing will be held from 5 until 7 p.m. Monday, June 29, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, located at 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley. A eulogy of Jada’s life will be given at 6:30 p.m.
