Audrey Gay Baalhorn, 90, was born November 7, 1931, in Gillette, Wyoming to Mildred and Uber Frederick. She was the middle child of 9.

Audrey passed away May 14, 2022, in Casper, Wyoming, surrounded by her family.

She attended school in Gillette and graduated in 1949. The principal of the high school had a conversation with Audrey’s parents, and they decided teaching was in her future. She began teaching in country schools that fall. She then continued her own education and received a Bachelor of Science in education from Kearney State College and received her Master's degree later. 

In 1951, she had a brief marriage to Mr. McCrary, they had one son together, Texter McCrary (Mayette.)

The year, 1955 brought upon a marriage to Billy Baalhorn. Audrey described him as tall, handsome and helpful. Their children include Billy Baalhorn (Donna), Pamela Burrous (Chuck) and Wyatt Baalhorn (Jannice.) They were together for 49 years. They had a big batch of grandkids: 11 grandkids, 14 great grandkids and 3 great-great grandkids.

Audrey’s life was incredibly full and fruitful. After country school, she taught 1st grade in Kilgore, Nebraska for 11 years then in Shirley Basin for two years and then moved to Encampment, Wyoming where she taught until her retirement. Audrey was excited to announce that she taught 1st grade to the last graduating class of the millennium.

She loved gardening, fitness and traveling, which she did frequently. In 1995, she joined the Glenrock chapter of TOPS and was state president and crowned Queen for her weight loss goal completion.

Audrey was an advocate for veterans and was a lifetime member of the VFW club ladies auxiliary. She was Wyoming state president and had traveled all over the United States with the VFW.

She was a member of the local master gardener club and enjoyed growing hollyhocks and roses. 

Audrey is preceded in death by her husband Billy, sister Betty and brother Doug.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, May 25 at 2:00 PM at Bustard and Jacoby Funeral Home.

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Bustard & Jacoby Funeral Home, 600 CY Avenue, Casper, WY 82601.