Audrey Weger

Audrey Weger passed away Sunday, Jan. 9, 2005, with her daughter holding her hand. She was born on the family ranch in Burns Valley, May 9, 1912, the only daughter of Andrew and Edna Jones. She was a proud member of the pioneering Jones family.

She was reared on the ranch, and as a child, participated in the raising and care of quality livestock. At 4 years old, she started to ride horses developing into an equestrian of the highest capability. A highlight of her showmanship was being chosen for an exhibition riding team for the World's Fair in San Francisco.

During the summers she lived with her family on Snow Mountain and loved the peaceful beauty of that area. It was there that she developed her passion for hunting and fishing.

She graduated from Clear Lake High School in 1930, during the Great Depression, and moved to Sacramento to attend college. She returned to Lake County and upon her father's death became the manager of the family ranches. Although she never considered herself a feminist, she was one of the first women to ably manage thousands of acres of livestock properties in Northern California. Up until a month before her death she was still involved in the decisions affecting the family business.

Audrey was most admired and loved for her knowledge, her well-respected opinions and her graciousness. She was a consummate hostess and always made room at the table for friend, and sometimes even foe. Once you were invited to stay you were treated to a delicious evening of repartee and repose.

She will most be remembered for ability to simultaneously embody an elegant woman and a tenacious cowgirl, to turn heads in couture or in denim, and to rally the spirits with a riveting toast or jump from her horse and kill a rattlesnake. She was remarkable with her flavored wit, her deeds and her written words.

At the age of 44 she gave birth to her only daughter, Lisa Alice Weger, which Audrey considered her most rewarding accomplishment.

Audrey is survived by her daughter, and her two beloved grandsons, Travis and Cody Steele, all of Santa Rosa. She is also survived by her former son-in-law and physician, Marco Steele. She leaves behind a legacy of friendships that includes many generations of family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband and confidante of 41 years, Donald Wright Weger.

A memorial service will take place at 11 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 16 at Eversole Mortuary in Ukiah.

If you wish to honor her memory, please choose to make a donation to your favorite charity or do a kind deed for someone less fortunate.

Arrangements under the direction of the Eversole Mortuary.