Audrey A. Howery, 85, formerly of Libby

Audrey Alta (Alcorn) Howery, 85, passed away of natural causes on Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2012, at Marias Care Center in Shelby.  

Funeral  Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. William Catholic Church in Shelby; rite of committal will follow at noon at Mountain View Cemetery.

Audrey was born July 24, 1927, to Wallace and Dolly (Steward) Alcorn at Conrad, Mont. She attended  school and graduated from high school at Shelby.  

After her graduation she worked at various jobs including employment as a telephone operator.

She married Alvin Howery on March 31, 1949, a marriage which lasted nearly 60 years until his death in 2009.  They resided in various places including Devon, Cut Bank, Whitlash and Shelby while Alvin was employed by the Montana Power Company.  

Along with raising her four children, she also babysat many other children and took in those who needed a safe haven.  

Alvin’s last transfer took them to Whitlash in 1968 where Audrey became involved in the community immediately by joining the county extension club and the Whitlash Presbyterian Church.

Audrey loved to crochet and knit, making many items for her children and grandchildren and many sought-after afghans for the church bazaar.  

In 1986, they retired and moved to Libby where they resided for 10 years before returning to Shelby.  

Audrey was an avid reader and was a frequent patron of the Toole County Library; she also was a lifetime member of the Galata American Legion Auxiliary and also served as treasurer of the local chapter of the Royal Neighbors of America.  

Audrey enjoyed her time as a resident of the Marias Heritage Center and cherished her many friends there along with her friends at the Marias Care Center.

Survivors include her son, Wally (Marlene) Howery, of Shelby; Betty Jean (Garth) McNair, of Butte; and April (Leonard) Gordon of Cheyenne, Wyo.; and son-in-law, Larry French, of Miles City.  

Also surviving are grandchildren Josh Howery of Belgrade; Daniel (Dixi) Howery of Van Vleck, Texas;  Jasainte (Mark) Dale, Jenny (Reece) Brown and Scott (Brandy) McNair, all of Fairfield; Crystal (Mike) Verellen of Olympia, Wash.; and Heather (Pat) Roos of Miles City; 14 great-grandchildren, one great-grandchild , and brother-in-law Earl Howery of Henderson, Nev.; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Also preceding her in death were an infant son, daughter, Mary Ellen French, and brother Bob Alcorn.  

Online condolences may be made at www.whittedfuneralchapel.com.