Audrey Ann Talbott Oxley, of Onalaska, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2021, where she lived for the last 60 years. Audrey was born in Salkum, in 1928, where as a teenager she met Derald W. Oxley, the love of her life, at Salkum Community Church. After one year at Willamette University in Salem, Oregon, she returned home and married Derald on May 8, 1948.
Those who are left to cherish her memory are sister Donna Kyle; children Leah Oxley Harness (Bryan) and Alan D. Oxley (Bonnie); grandchildren Weston A. Oxley (Amy), Robin Arnold (Will), Megan Letcavage (Stephen) and Virginia Harness; great-grandchildren Caleb, Aidan, Ethan, Kellan and Quinn Oxley, and Zoey Letcavage. Also a Beloved niece, Elaine G. Talbott, and her special Siamese Cat, Cocoa.
Audrey was preceded by her parents Roy F. Talbott and Vera Dolph Talbott Driggers; her brother Victor Talbott, and her husband Derald W. Oxley.
Audrey worked in her father’s business part-time while in high school and returned to work for him when the children started school. Audrey continued to work at Talbott’s Shopping Center until her mother sold the business in 1967. Moving across the street, she accepted a position with McDaniel Telephone Co. Always a loyal employee, she was there 23 years.
A highlight of her life was writing for Lewis County News, as one of her dreams was to be a journalist. As a participant and worker, Audrey was a member of Ethel Loyal Neighbors, Over 50 Club and Salkum Orthopedic Guild. As members of Salkum Community Church of the Brethren, Audrey and Derald led the youth group for many years. She served as a deacon, treasurer and even played the piano for worship. She could often be found in the church kitchen.
Audrey loved cooking and made the best homemade yeast dinner rolls. For many years, she would bake bread every Saturday morning. She collected cookbooks and loved to read them as well as try out new recipes. Audrey also loved gardening and had a big garden once they moved to the farm where “they” built a ranch style house. That was their home for the rest of their lives. Audrey and Derald were married for 66 years.
Audrey canned and froze anything preservable. Two freezers were almost always full of delicious berries, T-bone steaks, and special treats for family and friends.
The family would like to express deep appreciation for Audrey’s caregivers Cindy Hanson, Darlene Everson- Lester, Jane Sterland and Aileen Lundeen.
She had beautiful handwriting, thanks to the one room school in Salkum. Her children are thankful for the letters and hand written recipes. The family will hold a private celebration of life
