In the moment of our loss the depth and breadth of it is shattering… and yet, we come to know from it that we have gained, and we were loved. The shattering has happened again in farm and ranch country.

We have lost a great friend and Farm Bureau leader in Ava Alcaida (August 1, 1961 - April 23, 2024). Big Sky Country has gained a warrior angel. We will hold tight to all she taught us by her example.

Her leadership legacy lives, and she serves as a model for each of us. By first meetings and first impressions, you might think “stoic” when greeting Ava. But when she broke into a smile you knew she had a genuine and accepting nature. She was thoughtful and weighed issues thoroughly before coming to conclusions. When she spoke, you knew her words were coated in wisdom.

She was fiercely loyal too. That loyalty was reflected in how she loved and managed her family, loved and supported Ray, engaged in her community and enjoyed her friends. I recently heard someone say, “Your presence is your purpose. Be present.” This was Ava.

Ava served in leadership as La Paz County Farm Bureau President and on Arizona Farm Bureau's State Board including its executive committee. A member of the Colorado River Indian Tribe and an accountant by profession, she was fully and wonderfully engaged in her family, community, and farming.

Additionally, she served on the National Cotton Board. For us to have her as part of the Farm Bureau family was truly a blessing. Her whirlwind of activities means her blessings to us all reached far and wide. These blessings will continue. Her legacy will not be lost.

We love you, Ava, and truly will miss you. We extend our prayers and condolences to the Alcaida family as they move through this period of loss, remembrance and celebration of a life well lived.

The family has asked in lieu of flowers, to please send donations to one of her favorite charities: Poston Rotary, Cowpunchers Crisis Fund, Ray Alcaida Memorial Scholarship and the Ryan House.  

Yes, losing Ava is shattering. Her investment in us all will continue to grow.