It is with both love and deep sorrow that we remember a courageous, devout and loving woman our mother/grandmother Audrey Jean Erpenbach (Mrs. E.) who passed away on Sunday July 7th, 2013.
Audrey placed her life in the Lord’s hands and was graced with a loving family and many close friends. Left to cherish her memory are her children, Bonnie (Loran) Keller, Larry (Suzanne) Erpenbach, and Lynn (Stan) Morrison; grandchildren, Jennifer Janzer, Libby Fouts, Matt Keller, Loran Keller, Rachel Lane, Jason Erpenbach, Michael Erpenbach, Alexa Hopes, Paul Bushnell, Kendra Smith, and Jake Bushnell; twelve great grandchildren; and niece, Barb Heldt. Granddaughter Heather Erpenbach preceded her in death in 2005.
Born on July 14, 1923 in Forsyth MT, she attended schools in Montana and California, graduating from Pepperdine University with a degree in Home Economics. She married Art Erpenbach a short time later. Besides Art, one of Audrey’s great loves was that of baking and cooking. The heat of the oven and the smell of baked goods was a constant in Audrey’s kitchen at all times of the day and night. Known for her talent of creating beautiful and delicious cakes, her wedding/party cakes were a fixture at many local celebrations for family and friends. Her grandchildren always enjoyed sitting on Grandma Banana, Gram, Nana’s lap eating her cookies as she read them goodnight stories.
Audrey was a teacher. This fact is well known by the thousands of students who encountered Mrs. E. as their substitute in the local high schools for over 36 years. Her favorite was Capital High where she was known as the “permanent” sub. She was beloved by the students and especially the faculty where she developed lifelong friendships. Audrey’s teachings did not stop when she left the classroom. Her life was a very important lesson on how a person should approach each day with love, compassion and God in their heart. Her tireless approach to life was inspiring. Always optimistic there was never a “bad day” and she loved her ever busy lifestyle.
Being a woman of deep faith, Audrey spent countless hours at First Christian Church and the church’s Cane Ridge Lodge in Lincoln where her bright smile, enthusiasm and unwavering faith in God made her a beloved member of the church community. Many weeks in the summer were spent cooking at the church lodge with her close friend, Bonnie Hohn. Bonnie has so unselfishly given mom her time and care several days each week over the past months while mom was on Hospice.
Her family wishes to embrace all who spent time with mom during her lifetime. She enjoyed traveling with her close friend, Al Kemekjuk from Ohio; her outings, adventures and visits with Home Economics club members; friend Erma; Capital High friends, Kris, Marcia, Sue, Dennis, Jean, Mary Ann, Nita, Eileen and, special church friends, Sharon, Tony, Audrey, Rosie, Bonnie R., Susan, the rest of the congregation and countless others who always provided joy and strength. Most recently, her extended list of friends became the nurses, aides and volunteers from St. Peter’s Hospice.
Every moment spent with mom truly made this world a better place. Though the door to her life on earth has closed and we will never again be blessed to see her beautiful smile, she will live on in all the lives that she touched. We ask that those who knew her, please extend kindness, joy and love to others in her memory.
Celebration of life memorial service will be held at First Christian Church, 311 Power St, Helena, MT on Saturday, July 13, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. Private family internment services of her ashes will take place at the Veterans Cemetery at a later date.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
1:00 p.m.
Saturday July 13, 2013
First Christian Church
311 Power Street
Helena, MT 59601
Reception
Following the celebration of her life
Saturday July 13, 2013
First Christian Church
311 Power Street
Helena, MT 59601
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
1:00 p.m.
Saturday July 13, 2013
First Christian Church
311 Power Street
Helena, MT 59601
Reception
Following the celebration of her life
Saturday July 13, 2013
First Christian Church
311 Power Street
Helena, MT 59601
Share
Jack Womack says
Lynn:
So sorry to read that your Mom died. What a wonderful life of 89 years! Best to you and your family.
Jack
Tammy Steckler says
Lynn, God bless you and your family at this time. Your mother was a wonderful woman and she raised a beautiful daughter. Hugs to you, Tammy
Cindy Lee says
Lynn, I wish you God’s Peace. So sorry about your mom’s passing.
Glenn and Lea McKerrow says
Bonnie, Lynn and families. Our prayers of comfort are with you after all the joy and nurture your Mom has passed on to you and the loving care you have recently given her. Audrey was an unselfish, sharing woman through out a long life. Her friendship will be missed.
Mel Lehman says
Bonnie and family,
We add our thoughts and prayers to all those being sent your way at this time. Your mother’s legacy lives on beautifully in you and we are thankful for her, you and your family in touching all our lives.
Mark and Irene Bushnell says
Lynn, Paul, Kendra, Jake and family,
Our sincere condolences on the loss of Grandma Audrey. We were very blessed to know her and be part of her life for so many years. She was always so pleasant and cheerful to visit with at family gatherings. And my goodness what a wonderful cook! We always looked forward to what she was bringing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Karen Diehl Orr says
Lynn my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I remember your Mom fondly. She is a wonderful lady! KO
Mike and Sharon Farnsworth says
Bonnie, Lynn, Larry and families, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Your Mom was such an awesome person, sharing her love of her family, teaching, and yummy baking. She was so proud of each and everyone of you. As she spoke of you, she would just beam with pride. She shared such a joy for the life that God gave her. She was a true blessing from God and His light shined thru her. Hugs, love and prayers.
Our deepest convalescence, Mike and Sharon Farnsworth
Tonna Strasko says
I am so sorry for your loss. Audrey, thank you for the 11 years of smiling I saw you give to so many folks who came to worship at First Christian Church. When I was looking for a new church home in 1992, you smiled at me as I sat in a pew – alone – and made me feel so much at home. You will be missed by so many folks, Audrey. I bet you are having a wonderful time up there!
Donna Goltz Gladeau says
Bonnie and family,
So sorry to read of your Mother’s passing-you are in my thoughts and prayers. It sounds like she accomplished much in her life time and she will be welcomed with open arms to Heaven.
Condolences to your entire family, Donna Goltz
Katie Bowlds says
Mrs. Erpenbach was my favorite substitute teacher at Capital High School. I remember her fondly. My sympathies to you and your family.
Katie Bowlds says
Mrs. Erpenbach was my favorite substitute teacher at Capital High School. I remember her fondly. My sympathies to you and your family. Katie Bowlds
Genii Skoog says
Audrey was a wonderful person and someone I looked forward to seeing on Sunday mornings. I will always think of her when I drink my Ethiopian coffee with coconut cream, which she loved on Sunday mornings! Such a dear woman and friend.
Peace to you all.
Marnee Cole says
Audrey was a beautiful woman, inside and out. She had a sweet smile that made me feel welcome at First Christian Church. When I was baptized a few years ago, I was surprised to see her there. Having no family in town it was a little lonely for me until I saw Audrey. I was touched that she walked all the way to the river and onto the rocky beach to have a good close up view. I understand she went to the baptisms often and I hope others appreciated her being there as much as I did. Thank you, Audrey.
Kelley Morand says
Audrey was the best sub and a joy to work with at Capital High! Yes, we did think of her as our permanent sub and even put her in the yearbook that way to prove it. Just couldn’t resist! Audrey always participated in every activity, just like one of the full-time staff. In fact, she was even better than most of the staff at jumping in and dressing up for Halloween or whatever we had going on. What a character! We loved her so much! Audrey has been missed since she finally decided she had to actually retire, and it took a lot for her to leave us and the kids. I’ll always remember our Audrey, along with everyone at Capital High. Best wishes as you go on to your next adventure Audrey!
Beth Lewis says
Lynn, your mom was a very special lady and a great friend to my mom. I will always treasure the time they spent together this spring at your house. You and your family are in my prayers. Love you!
Henry and Kim Flatow says
Lynn and family- Our deepest sympathy for the loss of your dear mother. We are thinking of you and how you will miss Audrey. Memories are powerful and you will find yourself smiling and remembering special times and thru those memories, Audrey will always be with you.
Bill Coddington says
Hello Lynn, I don’t know if you remember me or not but I lived on Glenwood Lane when your family did and I always enjoyed be around your mother and Myrtle Utley, bless her heart, and then reconnecting with your mother in Helena when I moved there as an art instructor. She was always my choice of substitute if I had to be away from class and then I appreciated her even more for her compassion, even tempermant, and joy of working with my students. Tou were blessed to have such an extraordinary mom – as we all were!
Barbara Robertson says
Audrey was the sweetest, kindest, and most competent person. As a teacher at Capital High School, I always requested her for my students knowing how much students liked her. She will be really missed but can only imagine how many lives she touched. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Barbara Robertson
Suzanne Casteel says
Lynn, I can never make cucumber and onion salad with cream without thinking of your mom. And also green bean with dill and lemon. I spent many evenings at your house enjoying that cooking when we were so young! I’m thinking of you all with love and many hugs. I could never forget your mom. Love, Suzanne
Cheryl Vukasin says
Dear Lynn & Family,
I was so saddened to hear of the loss of your mother. What a special family you are and your mom was so very proud of you all. She talked alot about how important you were to her. What was an honor and privledge to be of service to her while she was in physical therapy rehab. My thoughts and prayers are with you all!
Cheryl Vukasin