Jean A. Audley

Jean Audrey Audley, Merton, WI, passed into peace at the age of 95 at home on July 11, 2025, surrounded by her beloved family. Jean was born in Merton on July 19, 1929, and lived her entire life in the village.

Jean is survived by her husband of 77 years, LaVerne “Ernie”, sons George (Martha), John (Wendy), Michael (Ann), and Jeffrey (Darrell), many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and extended family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Theodore H. Bies and Myrtle (Serres) Bies, as well as the recent passing of her sister, Beverly Cull. As Jean’s journey progressed, she often spoke of how much she looked forward to reuniting with her sister to “float” around, share their laughs, and watch from above.

Jean was a well-known face in Merton, working in her father’s hardware store on Main St. in Merton. Jean met her husband, Ernie, who joined the business with Theodore as a plumber. The business and building still exists today and is known as Audley Plumbing and Heating.

Jean enjoyed her artwork and projects, especially with her sister-in-law, Ramona Audley. They were quite a pair! She carried that passion forward in sharing and encouraging her grandchildren. There are many art pieces in possession of the family that are items to cherish.

Being the mother to four boys, of whom she was quite proud, she loved attending their various high school sporting events, and was known to be a vociferous cheerleader for them.

Aside from her love of flowers, gardening, and birds, and looking for good buys on antiques, her special place was being at Big Hills Lake in Wild Rose, WI at their “Bluebird Cabin”. So many wonderful memories we all have, especially around the 4th of July when “Grandma” would come down the stairs to the beach with platters of watermelon, Twizzlers, shoestring licorice, popsicles, and Skittles.

Jean was one special lady, and we will miss her dearly!

In honor of her wishes, a private celebration is being held among the family to celebrate her life.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jean's memory may be made to your charity of choice.