Maurine Margery Auer

1923 - 2018

Maurine Margery Auer

Monmouth - Maurine Auer of Monmouth, Oregon passed away March 17, 2018 at the age of 94. She was born in Etna, NC in 1923 to Hobart and Maude Wells. When Maurine was 10 the family moved to the Wells family farm in McCoy, OR. Maurine loved to tell the story of traveling across the country riding in the rumble seat of her father's 1932 Ford Coupe. Her high school years were split between Bethel and Perrydale High Schools where she graduated in 1941. After high school Maurine went to Capital Business College in Salem and then to work for the State of Oregon. She was proud to have worked in the Oregon State Capitol building where she helped produce the Oregon Blue book.

On June 26, 1943 Maurine married the love of her life, J.W. "Bill" Auer. After WWII, Maurine and Bill moved to the Auer family farm South of Monmouth. They farmed together for many years. Maurine worked as a library aide at Henry Hill and Talmadge Junior High School in Independence in the 60's and 70's. She loved working with the teachers and staff but especially loved helping the kids.

Maurine was kind and generous and was loved by all who knew her. She taught 4H for several years helping many young women learn to cook and sew. Maurine had a lifelong love of reading, gardening and cooking. One of her favorite things was to cook a delicious hearty meal for gatherings of family and friends. Maurine's family was all important to her and she was not one to be left at home, whether operating farm machinery, cutting firewood, family camping trips or annual deer season on the family farm. Many pans of venison steak graced the Auer table from her marksmanship with her trusty rifle.

In retirement, Maurine loved feeding and watching the birds, squirrels and other wildlife in her backyard. She also loved music, especially listening to Bill play Old Time favorites on his violin, mandolin or harmonica. When Bill developed Alzheimer's in his late 70's she devotedly cared for him at the farm. They shared 65 wonderful years together.

Maurine was preceded in death by her husband, JW "Bill" Auer and daughter, Joanne Marie Bucholz. Survivors include her daughters, Judy Van Valkenberg (Jay) of Monmouth, Carol Latorra (Scott) of Lacomb, son, John Auer (Gina) of Independence, seven grandchildren, five great grandchildren and one great, great, granddaughter.

A private memorial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to Farnstrom Mortuary, Independence; www.FarnstromMortuary.com.