Audrie Stevens

Audrie Stevens passed peacefully into Eternal Life Friday, May 11, 2012, with her daughter by her side.

Born to Rexford and Hazel (Davis) Ottman Jan. 16, 1914, in Donaldson, she lived in other cities in Minnesota and Wisconsin, and graduated from Canton High School in 1932.

She moved to Rochester, where she prepared meals in a rooming house for several doctors. An avid dancer who seldom missed a dance in the Canton/Harmony area, she started roller skating and met Ray Stevens. They were married Oct. 17, 1936. Together, she and Ray owned grocery and restaurant businesses, the Empress Billiards, and the FrostTop root beer stand. After her children were school-age, she began work at Donaldson's and then went to Dayton's downtown and Apache Mall.

A skilled craftswoman, she made her and her daughter's clothing; knit afghans, sweaters, mitten and cap sets, and caps for newborns at Methodist Hospital; baked thousands of Norwegian Christmas cookies; and was a "no recipe" cook. She fulfilled a childhood dream to travel by visiting all 50 states, Australia, Europe, and South America.

Always willing to share her skills, she taught many girls and women to knit. And, lucky was the recipient of a container of her Christmas cookies.

A member of First Methodist Church, which became Christ United Methodist Church, she gave many hours in service to both. She was presented with the Special Mission Recognition award by her Circle in March 1990.

Audrie is survived by her daughter, Cheryl (Richard) Dorman, and son, Craig (Kathy) Stevens; grandchildren, Edie (Leslie) Clausen, John Dorman, Kari (Jason) LeJeune and David Stevens; great-grandchildren, Emily Clausen, Jackson and Samuel LeJeune; and great-great-grandson, Paxxton.

She was preceded in death by her husband of over 48 years, Raymond in 1984; her brothers, Glen and Leslie; parents; and other family and good friends.

Thank you from the family to the caring staff at Saint Marys Hospital, the Chosen Valley Care Center, and her many friends at Chosen Valley Assisted Living.

If you so choose, memorial donations may be made to The Salvation Army or a charity of your choice.

A memorial service will be held at Christ United Methodist Church, 400 Fifth Ave. S.W., in Rochester, on Wednesday, May 16, at 11 a.m., with visitation an hour before the service. Burial in Oakwood Cemetery will be private.

Riley Funeral Home, Chatfield, is assisting with arrangements. (507) 867-4310 www.rileyfuneralhomes.com