Audrey Leone Koons

Audrey Leone Working Koons 

May 27, 1931— Aug. 12, 2017

Our mother, Audrey Leone Working Koons, was born on her parent’s farm in Mecker County, rural Minnesota, to Erwin L. Working and Irene Anderson Working. 

She was reared a farm girl as her parents struggled to make a living during the Great Depression. This gave her strength, fortitude, quick humor and common sense that lasted throughout her life and inspired all who knew her, especially her children.

She was graduated from Litchfield High, Litchfield, Minn., in 1949 and from Pasadena, Calif., College in 1954, majoring in chemistry and zoology. She worked as a research lab technician until 1964.

Mom married I. Carl Koons in 1955. When Dad finished his military service they moved to Southern California where Dad pursued theological studies. In 1964 Mom took on the job that lasted most of the rest of her life, pastor’s wife.

Mom and Dad shared a ministry for the Church of the Nazarene in Fort Bragg, Calif.; Virginia Minn.; Livingston and Laurel, Mont.; Ely,  Nevada, and Ogden and Vernal, Utah. Mom was an integral part of the ministry and taught Sunday school, sang in choir, and worked with World Mission education. She made sure guests and church members were welcome, loved and well-fed.

Mom was also a part-time and substitute teacher. She got a special education certificate in 1983 and then taught full-time special-ed Kindergarten. 

After Dad retired from the full-time ministry, Mom maintained an active role in the churches they attended. She devoted her life to caring for Dad in his final years. 

Dad died after what Mom always said were “60 wonderful years” of marriage. On her own, Mom maintained a full schedule of water aerobics, church work, and meetings and meals with friends and family. 

However, near as we can figure, something in her still wanted to spend her 62nd wedding anniversary with Carl, who died a little less than two years ago. So Mom died last week, without warning, and now she's with Dad.

Mom is survived by her six younger siblings: Donna Jean Working Koeberl, Carolyn Working Renfroe Pettygrew (John), Maynard Working (Karen), Bonnie Working Kirkpatrick (Donald), Everett C. Working (Phyllis), and Lyle A. Working (Linnea).

She is also survived by her four children: Debbie Shatto (Jay), Carla Trentelman (Charles) Sandy Jaramillo (Dave) and Kevin Koons (Anne). She enjoyed her eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren as often as possible.