Avis Kathlyn Autrey

Our beloved sister, Avis “Auddie” Kathlyn Autrey, 88, passed away Monday evening, June 16th, 2025, due to complications of COPD & heart failure. Born on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17th, 1937, in Easterly TX, Auddie was a daughter, sibling, aunt, granddaughter, partner & friend. Her outgoing personality drew you into her realm and made you feel seen & loved. People who shared time with Auddie, even briefly, realized they had a very personal connection. She was highly intelligent, especially with math, curious, kind, generous, friendly & out-going. She could also be quite sassy, stubborn, opinionated & totally focused on doing something her way! Such a personality mixture might make you wary of her, but she would win you over by her contagious laugh & the true warmth and wisdom in her words.

Auddie’s graduation from Houston’s Reagan High School in 1955 put her on track for Sam Houston State University in Huntsville and the University of Houston in Houston TX. The first of her many occupations began with operating the elevator in the Gulf Building in downtown Houston. Her confidence grew with each new endeavor, and she excelled in all of them. She began as an office manager, then acquired her Real Estate license and became an agent. Starting in 1969, she spent more than 10 years with industrial companies, beginning with Sam Proler Industries as manager of accounting. Raymond Internation hired her in 1974 where she moved through various positions in systems and procedures, and administration and financial management. Raymond transferred Auddie to Saudi Arabia in 1976 as company controller for a large pipeline construction project. Auddie was recognized as a member of the Association of Female Executives and the Society of Women Accountants (1983-84), and was also listed in The World’s Who’s Who of American Women (1984-85)!

Wanting a change from corporate life, Auddie and her partner Janey bought, renovated, and ran a florist and nursery store in Bellaire TX. In the early 1990’s, they moved to Eureka Springs, AR where they converted a home and operated a bed and breakfast for several years. In the early 2000’s they sold the B&B and “retired” to another home in Eureka Springs which they refurbished and where they developed a wonderful garden. In 2012, as Janey became ill, Auddie became the loving caregiver. Auddie’s own health declined in the early 2020’s and they moved to New Braunfels, TX in April of 2022 to be closer to family.

In her “spare time”, Auddie enjoyed traveling the U.S. and other countries and experiencing other cultures, restoring old houses, fishing, especially deep-sea fishing, music and singing, her birds, dogs and horses, and especially dirt! Gardening was her specialty! She loved talking about all kinds of plantings surrounding the house. And it seemed that nurturing her garden and observing the beauty of nature in and around the Ozarks brought her closer to God and acceptance of His plan for her life.

Auddie was preceded in death by her parents, Albert K. & Mae Autrey and her partner of 46 years, Janey Chapa. She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law A.K. “Gene” Autrey (Nancy), her sister and brother-in-law Sharon “Suzie” Boles (Brian), nephew Eric Boles and nieces Tricia Autrey Rowan, Monika Autrey Fleet and Alexis Arel. Many other relatives and numerous friends will sadly miss her but remember her with love. Her family would also like to express their gratitude to the staff of Èlan Westpointe Assisted Living & Memory Care, Hope Hospice, New Beginnings Hospice and Qualicare for the gentle care and expressions of kindness toward our sweet sister. May God bless each of you!

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Friday, July 11th at 3 p.m. at Northern Hills United Methodist Church, 3703 N. Loop 1604 E. San Antonio TX 78247. Light refreshments will be served afterwards. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions made to the American Heart Association would be appreciated.