Obituary of Audrey Rackham

Audrey was born in Lloydminster to hard-working parents Bertha & Garthorn Barker, and grew up on a farm in the Deer Creek area, attending a 1 room school house 1 mile away. She maintained lifelong, close relationships with her 2 older sisters, Naomi and Beatrice, and younger sister Irma. The family relocated to Lloyd in the early forties.

Audrey met the love of her life Ron in her early twenties while working at Ellis’ drug store. They were married August 1, 1944. They raised 3 daughters (Ruth, Barbara Joyce, Betty) & 1 granddaughter (Bobbi).

Audrey was a devoted wife and mother, putting her family first in everything; she couldn’t believe that any of us had any faults! Together with Ron, she passed on a love of animals, appreciation of nature, and wonder in creation. They led by example in instilling in us honesty, integrity, hard work and compassion.

Audrey attacked all enterprises with gusto. She maintained a large (always weed-free) garden and many fruit trees until she was over 80. Throughout her life, she was a cook extraordinaire; and for many years through the seventies and eighties, she headed up a much in-demand catering service for the SPCA. Her baking powder biscuits were to die for! Also through the seventies and eighties, she became a friend and mother figure to more than 30 out-of-country youth whom she and Ron hosted through participation in the Agricultural Trainee Program.

Audrey loved music, especially piano. She could always be heard singing around the house. In her younger years she played the guitar. She also had a very quick sense of humour, and a streak of mischievousness which meant lots of laughter.

Audrey committed her life to Jesus at a young age, being baptized in the North Saskatchewan river; she had an insatiable appetite for studying the Bible. As a teenager, she participated in street corner ministry with the Salvation Army. Most importantly, she was a major influence in her husband’s and children’s/grandchild’s also giving their lives to Jesus, for which we are eternally grateful.

Audrey moved from the farm in November 2005 after Ron passed, and moved to Jubilee Home in July 2011 after breaking a second hip and pelvis.

Audrey is mourned by: daughters, Ruth Perry & Barbara Joyce; granddaughter Bobbi Fox (Paul Niwranski); great grandchildren, Molly & Adam; sister, Irma Wagar; several nephews, nieces & great nephews/nieces.

She was predeceased by: husband Ron (2005); daughter, Betty (2018); sons-in-law, Bob Fox (1971), Ron Perry (2004); parents, Garthorn (1950) & Bertha (1981); sisters/brothers-in-law, Naomi/Beverly, Beatrice/Seth; 2 infant brothers; brother-in-law, Art Wagar;  several nieces and nephews.

Audrey's memorial card can be viewed or downloaded from the link below.

https://indd.adobe.com/view/7d56d8ec-a140-4f09-b851-71370a48d71e