Audrey Marie Hopkins Watts went home to heaven August 6, 2022. Audrey (the last of the depression generation) was born February 21, 1927, to Carl N. and Augusta M. Hopkins (the last of the settlers’ generation) in the ranch house at Cottonwood. She joined a brother Bill and was followed by a sister Mila.
She attended Cottonwood Elementary School, Custer County High School, and the University of Minnesota where she received an Associate of Arts degree and a teaching certificate. She taught three years at Kinsey, MT until meeting the love of her life, Harry Watts. They were married July 24, 1949. They moved back to the ranch where they raised four children.
Audrey moved to Miles City in 1996 after Harry’s death in 1990. She was very active in the Homemakers for over 70 years until her death. She was a lifetime member of the Presbyterian Church serving multiple positions in the Ismay and Miles City churches and Presbyterian Women. She was a clerk for the Cottonwood School for many years and served as a substitute teacher as needed. She served as a judge at the Custer County Fair for 4-H sewing and mentored many 4-H’ers in their sewing, cooking and demonstration projects. She was active as a chaperon and mentor for FHA and FFA. She was a member of Cowbells. She also served on the election board and kept the records for the Cottonwood Cemetery. After moving to Miles City, she volunteered many hours reading to elementary students with the America Reads program and working at St. Vincent DePaul Thrift Store. Her passion was quilting after she moved to town. She made and gave away more quilts that you could count. If we had more moms like ours in this world it would be a way better place today. They say part of your legacy is your children and our mom did her best to provide the home life, education, and the moral steerage to be successful in the world. She will be missed by all who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, her parents, brother, sister, a grandson and a great granddaughter. She is survived by her children Myles (Gayle) Watts, Bozeman, MT, Tamara (Mike) Walsh, Centennial Valley, MT, Renā (John) Medearis, Miles City MT, Tim (Shirlene) Watts Columbus, MT, seven grandchildren, ten great grandchildren (with one on the way) and many many friends.
A visitation will be held on Friday, August 12, 2022 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held on August 13, 2022 at 9:30am at the Presbyterian Church in Miles City, Montana with internment following at the Cottonwood Cemetery near Ismay, Montana at 12:00 p.m. Condolences can be made to the family be visiting www.steveonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Visitation
4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Friday August 12, 2022
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
9:30 AM
Saturday August 13, 2022
First Presbyterian Church
1401 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Visitation
4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Friday August 12, 2022
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
9:30 AM
Saturday August 13, 2022
First Presbyterian Church
1401 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Sherry Oster says
To all of Audrey’s family;
I am so sorry to hear this sad news. Audrey was a wonderful neighbor and she attempted a few times to teach me how to sew and cook, through 4-H. I wasn’t really interested in the sewing part but I will never forget how patient she was. As far as the cooking, between her and the other Ismay ladies, I think I learned a few things. My heart is sad for you all and please know that your mom was sure a great one! My sympathies. Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; Love leaves a memory no one can steal.
Jean Doran says
Rena and family. Audrey was a wonderful, careing person. Always, with a smile. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. Jean and Dan Doran
Sandy Rabe says
To the Watts family: I am so sorry to hear about Audrey. May God give you strength and comfort in all the wonderful memories of times together. God bless you all.
Fern Carey Griggs says
My 5th and 6 grade teacher in Kinsey, a family friend from Ismay! She spent alot of after school time at our family farm. I have fond memories!! {she made the best fudge}
Thinking of all Audrey’s family at this time….Fern Carey Griggs
Dick and Kay Wells says
Audrey was such a wonderful lady! Always loved visiting with her over the years. She was kind hearted and always such a hard worker. She was very active in 4-H and our local Sunday School program and a wonderful influence for the young people in our community. Our condolences to her family and friends. She will be missed but always remembered!
Shirley A Rolf says
Sorry to hear of Audrey’s passing. We are thinking of the Watts family.
Dolores Meidinger Willson says
Miles and all the Watts family-
I am sending my sincere sympathy your way during this loss. Your Mom lived a good long life and you can all remember special times with her. May you find peace and comfort in these memories.
Vickie and Dave Gunderson says
To all of Audrey’s family, I’m so sorry to hear of her passing. She was such a gentle and kind lady..she, Ruthie Brown and my mom (Eleanor Hartmann) spent several years looking after each other and taking turns making morning calls to each other to make sure everyone was OK. Our hugs and prayers go out to all her family💔
Betty Holmes Vail says
Myles, As Miles City RSVP director I was honored to have Audrey as a volunteer. I especially enjoyed getting to know her better when she attended a fall prevention class I taught. What a sweet lady.
Kyle & Gail Shaw says
Dear Watts Family, You are in our thoughts and prayers. She was such a kind lady.
Vikki Bradley says
Audrey’s family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Sandi Kohones says
I am so sorry to learn of Audrey’s passing. She was a bright light while volunteering at St Vincent’s and a wonderful person in general! She will be missed greatly!
Tom and Lillian Ostendorf says
To all the Watts family, we are sad to hear of Audrey’s passing. We always enjoyed visiting with her over the years. She was one of the best. Our sincere condolences.
Patsy George Almy says
Just feeling sad for losing “another mom”. She was always good to us. Praying for each of you as this chapter closes.
Sharon ASKIN Ferrel says
I’m so sad hear Audrey left us, she was a great family friend! She also was my teacher at cottonwood school! Her daughter Tammy was also my flower girl! Please accept my heartfelt sympathy ! Peace to a great lady! Sharon ASKIN Ferrel!
Jackie Stroh says
Rene and family oh so sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing. She was a lovely person and I know she will be greatly missed by all of you! I remember my visits with her when I took care of Grandpa Carl. Hugs to you all!!
Ann and Ron Roberts says
Thoughts and prayers for Audrey’s family. She made me feel so welcome to the community when we lived at Locate. She and the other ladies in the Homemakers club were truly amazing and so very special.
Ann and Ron Roberts
Kim Smarsh says
Audrey was such a delightful person! I will miss her and her beautiful smile. My condolences to the family.
Sharon Bixler Oftedal says
Audrey was one of the best ! And yes, the world would be a much better place if everyone could be fortunate enough to have a mom like Audrey . I’m so glad I got to be there when the Locate Knowlton Home Demonstration Club was formed, and I’m so sorry to see the last remaining early member leave. But don’t you know they’re all having a great time getting together again !
Dee Dee Griffith Topp says
Thoughts and prayers. I think of all of you every time I drive to Baker.
Tanya Krummreich (Leland) says
Audrey was such a lovely and kind person, her presence in this world will certainly be missed. Sending love and condolences to you all.
Bill and Ronda Griffin says
Myles, Tammy, Rena, and Tim, So sorry to hear about your mom. She was such a long and good friend to us and our family. She was such an asset and inspiration to our Locate-Lnowlton Homemaker Club and community. We are traveling and will miss the service. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
John and Nikki Brown says
We were very sorry to hear of Audrey’s passing.
What a sweet person. Mary Lee will be glad to see her again.
Dennis And Meredith Hirsch says
So sorry for your loss she was a good person and a good friend are prayers are with her family Dennis and Meredith
Dotty Watts says
Audrey was an inspiration to many people!! Always a lady. We had some wonderful visits. She and Harry were a great couple and raised a fine family! I loved her and will miss her.
Patricia Lane says
I’ll miss her affectionate farting
Patsy Herzog Davis says
Myles, Tammy, Rena, Tim and families,
My sincere condolences in the sad loss of your dear Mother, Grandmother and Friend! Audrey was always so sweet and kind, and a pillar of our community, leaving us all with many fond memories of a very special lady and the last of our old timers.
Jessie Leidholt says
Dear Rena and family, I met Audrey many years ago at a Strong Women exercise program at the Courthouse. Everyone was so glad to see her. What a blessing she has been to so many. May God comfort you at this sad time.
Jan Munroe says
I had the pleasure of meeting Audrey and Harry when we bowled with the Terry people in the early eighties.What a bunch of fun. lovely people! Later we both volunteered at St. Vincent de Paul. She stayed active and busy helping in her communities. Sometimes you wonder how many people are reached by the Audreys in the world. Please accept my sincere condolences. Jan
Diana Pluhar Ruis says
Sending prayers and blessings to Rena and family. You are never ready to lose your Mom, no matter their age. What a beautiful life story and legacy she left for you all to cherish. May good memories bring you comfort during this sad time.
Lloyd and Diana Pluhar Ruis
Ed Brock says
Audrey’s father, Carl Hopkins, was my great Uncle (my grandmother’s brother.) Audrey and Husband, Harry, lived in a house on the Hopkins ranch during the 1950’s. when I was in high school and would go out there from Chicago to work on the ranch in the summers. Audrey was in her twenties then and she and Harry were just starting their family. She was a beautiful young woman, always smiling, and a great cook. I have many fond memories of her and Harry. They were exceedingly tolerant of my teenage antics and taught me many things that I carried with me throughout my life. I have never forgotten her warm smile and her kindness toward me. Today is March 6th, 2024 and I just happened across Audrey’s obituary. I am now 83 but have never forgotten the wonderful summers that I spent out there with Audrey and Harry, sister Mila, brother Bill, and Carl and Augusta.