Audrey Lena Gwathmey

Audrey Lena (Baxter) Gwathmey passed away peacefully on June 13, 2026, in La Mesa, California, at the age of 90. She was born on September 21, 1935, in Farman, Nebraska. During her early childhood, her family moved to Powell, Wyoming, where she was raised on a farm alongside her sister, brother, and adopted brother.

From a young age, Audrey dreamed of marrying a tall, dark, handsome man and moving to California, an aspiration that came true when she met and married Don Gwathmey. They met during her summer job at the Pahaska Tepee Resort, just outside the east gate of Yellowstone, where Don worked as the grounds caretaker. Audrey and Don were married in 1956 in Powell, Wyoming, and in 1957 she moved with him to San Diego, beginning a life filled with family, community, and creativity.

Audrey’s love for children and her desire to teach led her to found Red Balloon Preschool at Lemon Grove United Methodist Church, where she served for many years as Director and Teacher. She was an active member of Lemon Grove United Methodist Church and participated in the Lemon Grove Soroptimist Organization, generously giving her time and compassion to the community.

Sewing was one of Audrey’s greatest lifelong passions. Her grandmother first placed a needle and thread in her hands when she was four years old, sparking a love that never faded. Her skills grew so advanced that, in high school, her Home Economics teacher offered to teach her tailoring. Audrey’s creativity and craftsmanship remained a defining part of her life.

She enjoyed traveling, first on road trips and tent-camping adventures with her husband and children, and later on cruises and train journeys with Don. Summers were devoted to tending her vegetable garden, canning tomatoes and fruit, a tradition she cherished. Audrey also had a deep affection for cats and lovingly cared for many throughout her life.

Above all, Audrey’s greatest joy was her two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She delighted in playing games, imagining make-believe, and sharing her time with them. She was always present, always willing, and always full of love.

Audrey will be laid to rest with Don at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery. She is survived by her three children and one spouse, two grandchildren and their spouses, two great-granddaughters, two nieces and two nephews.

Audrey will be remembered as a social, kind, and warm-hearted woman who loved her family and friends deeply and enriched the lives of everyone around her.

Services will be held at Lemon Grove United Methodist Church on July 18, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with a reception immediately following in the Fellowship Hall