Audrey McRae's Obituary
Audrey O. McRae, daughter of Edward and Elfrieda K. Hambuechen Hiemenz, was born January 21, 1911, in St. Louis, Missouri, and departed this life Saturday, December 27, 2008, in Christian Health Care South, in Lebanon, Missouri, at the age of ninety-seven years, eleven months, and six days. On November 17, 1942, she was united in marriage to Ralph I. McRae in St. Louis, Missouri. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph, in 1993, her parents, and a sister, Gladys Tonis. Audrey is survived by a sister-in-law, Louise McRae, of St. Louis, Missouri; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; as well as many dear friends. After graduating from high school, Audrey attended Washington University of Fine Arts in St. Louis, Missouri, with further study at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. She studied portrait painting for two years in Los Angeles, and then with Ramon Fromen in Dallas, Texas. She also studied landscape painting with William Henry Earle in Connecticut and Henry Glasser in New Jersey. In addition to fine arts, Audrey was a writer, having written many poems, and was an accomplished musician. She was successful in the field of commercial art, having been art director for Kline’s, Inc. in St. Louis, a free lance fashion illustrator and art director for Dallas Fashion and Sportsman Magazine. She was honored by being listed in “1974 World’s Who’s Who of Women”. After she and her husband moved to Lebanon, Missouri, in 1986, Audrey continued teaching art on a limited basis. Audrey was a member of the Southern Heights Christian Church in Lebanon. We celebrate her life and multifaceted accomplishments. Her legacy will live on through her students, fellow artists, and the works she leaves behind. Audrey will be fondly remembered and greatly missed. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 pm on Monday December 29, 2008 at Mt. Rose Memorial Park. Friends may call at the funeral home at their convenience under the direction of the Holman-Howe Funeral Home Lebanon, Missouri. A memorial has been established to the Missions at Southern Heights Christian Church. Donations may be made through the funeral home. Return to top
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