Pitts, Audrey E. 1934-2016

PITTS, HEINIS, DAWSON

Posted By: Linda Ziemann, Volunteer (email)
Date: 8/9/2016 at 12:00:30

Audrey E. Pitts
LeMars Daily Sentinel, Monday, July 25, 2016

Audrey E. Pitts, 81, longtime Le Mars businesswoman, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Wednesday, July 20, 2016 in Le Mars.

Audrey was born Oct. 6, 1934 near Washta, to John and Myrtle (Heinis) Dawson. She spent her childhood growing up on the family farm during one of America's greatest eras, participating in school activities and girl's high school athletics, a novel idea at the time. Audrey graduated from Grand Meadow High School in 1952, where she was named Homecoming Queen.

After graduation, a man named Carl Pitts continued his courtship, which later resulted in a marriage. This union created a family, when their son Roger was born on March 4, 1955.

The young family lived in rural Cherokee County, eventually landing in Le Mars in 1961. In an effort to capitalize on Carl's skills, Audrey and Carl made the decision to open up their own blacksmith shop on June 26, 1961, originally called Carl's Blacksmith Shop, later becoming Carl's Welding Shop.

Audrey's accounting and bookkeeping skills complemented Carl well, as she became head of "business operations" at the shop. No one ran a general ledger quite like Audrey did.

Carl died suddenly on Jan. 22, 1976. Audrey and Roger continued the family business for another 40 years following Carl's passing.

Audrey loved her family more than anything, and especially enjoyed her grandkids sporting events. She had a special bond with her sister, Darlys and granddaughter, Emily, making many memories together. Audrey enjoyed sending you a card with a hand-written note on your birthday, a holiday or while you were on the mend.

Audrey hosted many family holidays and especially loved hosting Christmas parties. Her famous meatballs and decadent candy trays were always on the menu.

In her later years, she became an avid fan of Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers, catching as many games as she could on TV. Her liking of the Chicago Cubs aligned with her son Roger, and grandsons Joe and Jon.

Audrey is survived by her son, Roger (Karen) Pitts of Le Mars; grandchildren: Emily Pitts of Sioux City, Joseph Pitts of Omaha, Nebraska and Jon Pitts of Chicago, Illinois; brother, Tom (Doris) Dawson of Washta; sister, Darlys Stevens of Washta; sisters-in-law: Darlene (Ron) Schmillen of Marcus, Sharon Dawson of Mesa, Arizona, and Joanne Dawson of Cherokee; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives along with special friends Jane McDougall, Candi Wagner and Deb Pottebaum.

Audrey was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Carl Pitts; brothers: Jim Dawson and Jack Dawson; brother-in-law: Ron Stevens and sisters-in-law: Lois (Sonny) Kenney and Margaret (Emmett) Holton.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m., today (Monday) at the United Methodist Church of Le Mars, in Le Mars, with the Rev. O. Lundula officiating. A visitation was from 4-7 p.m., Sunday, with a prayer service at 7 p.m., all at the United Methodist Church of Le Mars.

Visitation will continue Monday one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Resthaven - Memory Gardens in rural Le Mars. Arrangements are with the Rexwinkel-Carlsen Funeral Home in Le Mars. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred and will be directed to the family's choice.