Audrey Virginia Anderwald

(Written by her daughter Karen Crittendon)

On the evening of February 25, 2023, Audrey passed away peacefully with her daughter and son in law by her side.   After a visit to an Assisted Living Home, Audrey proclaimed that her choice was to remain in her own home!    And thankfully we were able to grant her wish.  Audrey Davis Anderwald was born in El Paso, Texas, joining her sister, Lorraine, who was just 11 months older than Audrey.  Their parents were Clarence E. Davis and Vera McGuigan Davis.  When the girls were very young the family moved to Montana.  Audrey spent her school years in Butte.  

Her family camped in Yellowstone Park, near the old feeding grounds for the bears.   It was an exciting time when a bear climbed into their car (after the honey).    The family went on picnics, the Butte Columbia Gardens, and later the Flathead Lake cabin was the place to relax. 

Sometime after High School, in 1941, Audrey went to school in California to learn the skill to read the clouds and give weather reports to pilots.  She stayed awhile in California to finish job training before coming back to Butte.    A little gutsy, she drove to Dillon and Whitehall to give the weather report to pilots.     Audrey enjoyed her job.   She was a lifelong watcher and reader of clouds.  

 Audrey lived across the street from Mary McCourt Anderson, who insisted she meet her cousin, Andy from Opportunity.    Andy and Audrey hit it off; the handsome sailor, home on leave, and the beautiful tall blonde.   They courted, married and moved to Opportunity. They were married for 61 years.  

On the Anderwald Homestead, they built a home.  Butte was “city living” compared to “country living” in Opportunity.  Audrey adjusted and loved Opportunity.  She remained in the home that she and Andy built  for 77 years. 

Because they were not able to have children, Dr. Frank Gardner (Butte) assisted in connecting them with a family who planned to give their daughter up for adoption.    In 1956, a similar situation with another woman happened and Dr. Gardner helped again!    I had a new baby brother, named John Joseph.    Audrey was so proud of us and believed she had been blessed.  We are the two that were blessed, to have her, as our Mother.  

John would gift us with his abilities, as a musician, from a very young age.  He was blessed with perfect pitch.   I loved it when it was “Family Band” time.   We’d each play an instrument and enjoyed the music.  Audrey played the accordion in our band.

Audrey enjoyed get-togethers with friends; group ironing day, sewing, gardening, KBO and Garden Club meetings, 4-H, Religious Education Teacher, attended workshops and studied Health and Nutrition.  She liked to learn new things.   “Tricks of the Trade”

“What an amazing lady Audrey was”.  She will remain in our hearts forever.   Audrey was a people magnet, full of love and kindness for everyone.   Others would return her kindness threefold.   I was very proud of MOM!   She handled her life with grace.   I’ve learned so much from her, right up through the day she left our world.     

As Audrey aged, she needed more assistance and care.   Wildflower Perry and Carole Preskar visited Audrey regularly and assisted with her care.  Many friends visited, brought lunches, Holy Communion, cleaned, cut hair and loved her.  

After Audrey’s 100th Birthday, we moved in to take care of her.  With assistance from Anaconda Pintler Hospice, Dr. Baker and their tremendous staff, we were able to remain with Mom for 2 and ½ months.   I am thankful and appreciative of my husband, who shared a loving bond with Mom.   

Audrey was Preceded in Death by her husband Andy J. Anderwald; son John J. Anderwald; sister Lorraine Davis; mother and father Clarence and Vera Davis; and mother and father-in-law Andrew and Veronica Anderwald.   

Audrey is survived by daughter and son-in-Law Karen and Critt Crittendon; daughter-in-law and husband Leaona Anderwald Dorcheus and Jim Dorcheus;  grandchildren Karee Gillis, Julie (Zack) Dunn, Tami Crittendon (Damian Beartusk),  Ashlea Neill (Dave), Blake Anderwald (Chantel); grandson-in-law Korey Gillis; great-grandchildren Greysen, Carsen, Collin, Gradey, Evan, Maggie, Jayden, Jackson, Clara, and Cameron; nephews Wes Perkins (Angie), Bob Perkins, Ray Rogers and niece Linda Rogers Clifton (Jerry).

Audrey had a great well lived life, full of love!   She touched many lives in such a positive manner and radiated with goodness.  Everyone loved her.   She made all of our lives better.  We all have been blessed knowing her.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, March 4, 2023, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 217 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Anaconda, MT, at 10:30 a.m.  Following the Mass, a luncheon will be held in the Hunthausen Center of Holy Family Catholic Church. A Graveside Service will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials in Audrey’s name be made to the Anaconda Catholic Community (217, W. Pennsylvania Ave., Anaconda, MT 59711), Pintler Pets (80 Silver Street, Anaconda, MT 59711), the Smelter City Senior Citizens Center (115 E. Pennsylvania Ave., Anaconda, MT 59711) or the Opportunity Volunteer Fire Department (5 N. Hauser St., Opportunity, MT 59711).

Audrey’s family would like to thank Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home for their kind, caring, and professional assistance, and Holy Family Catholic Church and Father Haffey for their care and assistance during this time.

Please visit the sidebar to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Audrey.

Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home has been privileged to care for Audrey.