Audrey Elizabeth Crowter
June 7, 1931 – November 29, 2017

It is with great sadness that the family of Audrey Elizabeth (nee Uhrich) Crowter of Humboldt, SK, (and formerly of LeRoy, SK), announces her passing on Wednesday, November 29, 2017, at St. Mary's Villa, Humboldt. She was 86 years of age. Audrey was born on June 7, 1931, to Carl and Anna (nee Rode) Uhrich on a farm six miles south of LeRoy. They later moved to the Burr district. She spoke fondly of childhood days on the farm where she, along with her sister Christina and her brother Elmer, played and helped with chores. Audrey attended school at Attica where she completed Grade 6. At that time, because many male teachers were enlisting in the war effort, female teachers with families were being persuaded to return to the classroom. Audrey was asked to work for a teacher as a live-in babysitter and receive home schooling in the evening. She did that for two years with Mrs. Casey and Mrs. McConnell. At that time, she was ready to return home - but not for long. Audrey's next adventure took her to Ontario. She arrived on her 16th birthday and went to work as a babysitter for her aunt, Martha Kruger, during the tomato harvest at Niagara-on-the-Lake. Once harvest was over, she found a job in a factory at St. Catharines. Audrey was proud of her skill and dexterity in her work. However, she had to learn to slow down or the other workers would be mad as they were forced to up their quotas. Here she met and became fast friends with Helen Busch. After Audrey returned to Saskatchewan the following year, their friendship was maintained by decades-long correspondence. Audrey always regretted not being able to return to visit her friend. Life continued and she soon found a job as a nurse's aide in LeRoy. It was there she met and fell in love with Archie Crowter. They were wed on February 20, 1950. Being a typical Saskatchewan winter day, their union was blessed with the tipping of the caboose. Fortunately, no one was harmed and the caboose was quickly righted and they were on their way. Audrey and Archie soon started their family. As Mom would tell the story, Dad was ready to quit at one child - not sure what that says about Bill - but Audrey wanted more and more they had. She was quite proud of her even numbers - first two boys, then two girls. Mom settled into life as a homemaker - raising kids, growing a huge garden, and cooking wonderful meals that her children would continue to return for after they left home. Over the years, Audrey enjoyed curling, judging skate competitions, and the fellowship of the LeRoy Lutheran Ladies. She especially loved spending time with the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. When Archie retired, they took up bowling and socializing with friends at the LeRoy Cafe. During their life together, the two of them also enjoyed dancing at various events, an activity Audrey continued on her own with the Humboldt Minus One Club. When that club folded, Audrey and a group of friends started the Watson Minus One Club. Audrey served as president and organizer for 10 years. It was at Minus One that Audrey met Ward Mattson and they became friends and dancing partners. Audrey decided to move in with her daughter, Karen, at Humboldt. Eventually, a third member was added to their household - Tom the Cat. Guess which one was the favored roommate? She enjoyed Caribbean cruises with family as well as trips to Niagara Falls, Jamaica, Bahamas, Hawaii, and Salt Spring Island, BC. For most of her life, Audrey was blessed with good health and a strong constitution. In the past few years, she met the challenges of osteoporosis and beat lung cancer, but her last battle proved to be too much. Her family is comforted in the knowledge that her struggles are over and she is dancing in heaven with Archie. Audrey is survived by her son BILL (Darlene) Crowter and family - Cole, Tori (Blair), Tori's son Liam, Blair's daughter Tayte, and Ula (Jeremy) and their children Landon, Samuel, Zachariah, Alex, Brooke, Chris, and Xavier; son KEN Crowter and family - Jason, Trayton (Dinah), Trayton's son Damian, Dinah's sons Ashton and Bennett, and Michael (Sophie) and their children William and Luke; daughter COLLEEN (Keith) Wickenhauser and family - Christopher (Kathleen) and Kory (Jocelyn) and their daughter Brielle; and daughter KAREN Crowter; a special friend Ward Mattson; brother-in-law Hector Fraser; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Audrey was predeceased by her husband Archie Crowter; daughter-in-law Valerie Crowter; parents Carl and Anna (nee Rode) Uhrich; brother Elmer Uhrich; sister Christina (Reg) Murray; brother-in-law Gus Johnson; and Archie's sisters, Minnie (Vern) Petch, Mary (Bruno) Dupont, Edith (Robert Davis) (Alois) Richels, Grace (Jerome) Wickenhauser, and Florence Fraser. The Funeral Service was held at St. John's Lutheran Church, Humboldt, on Monday, December 4, 2017, at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Rev. Clint Magnus. Scripture readers were were Darlene Crowter and Ula Crowter Gates. Music ministry was provided by organist Dulcie Kirzinger. Pallbearers were Tori Crowter, Landon Crowter, Trayton Crowter, Michael Crowter, Christopher Wickenhauser and Kory Wickenhauser. Following the lunch in the Church basement, interment took place at LeRoy Public Cemetery, LeRoy. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to either St. John’s Lutheran Church or St. Mary’s Villa Foundation.

 

 

This Notice Is Courtesy Of
Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel - Humboldt, Saskatchewan
(306-682-4114)