God, creator of all living things, blessed Thomas and Elsa Wilber with a beautiful daughter, Audrey Jeanette, on the 12th of February. Brothers Ward and Roy and sister Gladys spent their lifetime building strong family ties with Audrey that revealed love for each other and love of family. Audrey was born later in her parents' life, with her siblings off starting their own families, leaving much responsibility to Audrey with helping her parents on their farm in Stanwood. At just a young age, she learned to drive the workhorses, standing behind them on the wagon, while her father worked on foot in the field. Audrey loved her life on the farm but illness with her mother brought the family to a new home in the Village of Stanwood where she lived the rest of her life. As a teenager, she enjoyed living in town, going to town hall dances and free movie night-shown outdoors in downtown Stanwood-every Saturday night during the summer. Audrey's first big trip was her Senior Trip to Chicago with her fellow graduates. When World War II was in full force, Audrey, as well as other women of that time, were called to factory work. She was employed at Denham's Manufacturing in Big Rapids where she learned to weld fins for bomber planes. She worked alongside her lifelong friend, Wilm (Wilma) Koehn Beak. Not long after, she met her husband of nearly 62 years, Gordon Lyons. Only a few months into their new life together, Audrey and Gordon were called home to help care for her mother. She cared for both her mother and father until they passed away in their home. Together, Audrey and Gordon cared for family and friends in time of need while raising their three beautiful children: Sueann, Thomas, and James. Always proud of their family and of their home, many, many cherished memories came to be. Near the end of Gordon's life, Audrey cared for him in his illness, keeping him home, as he wished, until he passed away. Audrey enjoyed her employment at the Stanwood Telephone Company working on the switchboard and her 30 years at Ferris State University in the library where she loved working with the students and her fellow employees, especially her dear friend Joan Boroff. She also served in many volunteer positions in her community. Audrey had a sentimental heart, and she treasured her devout Methodist upbringing, her family and its rich family history, and the many friends she made throughout her life. She loved her birds, her flowers, pictures set out of her family to look at, and cherished every card sent to her, never read only once. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy. She celebrated every part of their lives with them. She was young at heart and was interested in hearing about others and their lives. Audrey was always current in the day's events by reading articles and listening to the news. She knew what fashions were "all the go" and enjoyed watching the Tigers and any basketball game she could find. Audrey passed on from this earth Sunday, July 19, 2015, at Spectrum Health Big Rapids Hospital to eternal life in heaven with Jesus her Savior. She was ready for this passing and told her children not to be sad. "I have lived a good long life," she said, "there's a time to be born and a time to die and I'm ready to go home." This confidence that there is a place prepared for her in the Fathers' mansion has helped her family with their loss. We will miss her so very much but our hearts are overflowing with her love, devotion to God and family, and her infinite wisdom. Audrey is survived by her children: Sueann (Kenneth) Walz, Thomas (Wendy) Lyons, James (Valerie) Lyons; grandchildren: Heather Walz, Erin Walz, Jason Lyons, Shane (Char) Lyons, Jennifer (Jesse) Grenoble, Jaclynne Bishop, John Lyons, Ana Lyons, and Renae Lyons; great-grandchildren: Jack Tay, Amelia Tay, Quinn Sacalis, Beau Sacalis, Nora Lyons, Carson Lyons, Connor Lyons, Camden Lyons, and Kara Grenoble; and cherished nieces and cousins. Audrey was preceded in death by her husband Gordon Lyons; brothers, Ward Wilber, Roy Wilber; and sister, Gladys Harkins Bolton. A celebration of her life will be on Thursday, July 23, 11:00 AM, at Northland United Methodist Church, Stanwood, with Pastor Gary Bondarenko and Pastor Emmett Kadwell officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday, July 22, 2:00-4:00PM and 6:00-8:00PM at Daggett Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Memorial contributions may be given to Northland United Methodist Church. Funeral Service Thursday, July 23, 2015 11:00 AM Northland United Methodist Church 6842 Northland Dr. Stanwood,MI 49346