Audrey Claire McKinnon

Audrey Claire McKinnon Audrey passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of February 8th, at her home in Shelton, at the age of 78. She was born on September 9, 1928 in Tacoma Washington, to Clarence and Lyda Whiteford. She graduated from Lincoln High School. On May 16th, 1947, she married the love of her life, Gene R. McKinnon, at Lincoln Park Christian Church in Tacoma. She was a loving, caring, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt. Recently, she became a great-grandmother and was able to see her great-grandson from New Jersey, on Christmas, 2006. During her lifetime, Audrey served as deaconess, choir member and director, in several area churches, including Tacoma, Kingston, Silverdale, Shelton, Belfair and even Indio, California. She also served as decorator, providing glorious floral bouquets. In whatever capacity she served she was always praising her Lord. She was an accomplished seamstress and artist. Her love of flowers showed in her gardens which she meticulously kept. She especially enjoyed her great variety of dahlias. During her employment years, she worked along side her husband, owning and operating a clothing store in Tacoma, a fabric store in University Place, a department and True Value Hardware in Silverdale. Gene and Audrey shared a wonderful life. They retired, building a home in Shelton and spending the winters in Indio, California. Audrey insisted on leaving home, only after Christmas and returning before Easter. She loved celebrating holidays with family. After a 15 month courageous battle with cancer, Audrey went to be with her Lord. She leaves behind, her husband of almost 60 years, her daughter April and husband Steve Woodhouse of Lincoln, Montana, her sons, Kip and wife Dee Dee McKinnon, of Port Orchard Washington and Matt of Grayland, Washington. Audrey had four grandchildren; Jennifer and husband Michael Santiago, Paul Woodhouse, Lindsey and Kyle McKinnon and one great grandchild, Sebastian Santiago. She is also survived by her sister Pat LeClaire of Harstine Island and Shirley Upton of Anchorage, Alaska. A funeral service will be held on Friday, February 16th at 10:30 AM, at Chambers Creek Chapel, New Tacoma Cemetery in Tacoma, Washington. Remembrances may be made to Group Health Community Foundation or Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.