Audrey Genevieve Bixby

June 14, 1924 - October 15, 2017

Audrey (Age 93) was born June 14, 1924, and passed away October 15, 2017 at Sacred Heart Medical Center. She is the widow of Richard W. Bixby, mother to Nancy Johnson-Hundrup (Jim) and David Bixby (Diane), grandmother to Jacob Bixby (Jen), Matthew Bixby, Laurel Trefry (Adam), Scott Johnson (Christy), Kieth Johnson, and Michelle Hundrup, great-grandmother to Tyler, Emily, Stella, Violet, Orion, Uly, Homer and Liam. She was much loved by all. Audrey is also survived by her sister Lynda Androsky (Rick) and by the late Hawley Bud Stevens (Lee), and several Wolcott family members. She was born to Melvin and Olive Wolcott Hansen in Spokane. She attended Garfield, Havermale and North Central High School, graduating ahead of her class to begin working in a bank at 17. An only child, she lost her beloved mother at age 13, which contributed to her lifetime strength and resiliency. When her father remarried, she gained a step-brother Bud and several years later a baby sister Lynda. She met Dick Bixby at age 14, and they married in 1942 at ages 18 and 20. Part of The Greatest Generation they faced WWII and went on to build a successful family and business life. Daughter Nancy was born in 1945, followed by David in 1948. Mom was a homemaker for several years before returning to banking. She then left work with Dad for many years, developing and managing Bixby Machine Tool Supply until retirement, which was spent enjoying their second home at Lake Roosevelt. Their life story was featured in the Cindy Hval book "War Bonds", a tribute to local couples who contributed to the War Effort and returned home to build happy, successful lives. The Bixbys were known for their many friends, through work and their high school years. They participated in several years of North Central reunions and entertained often. Mom always had a sweet smile and was known for her sweet nature despite the new (and sometimes unexpected) adventures proposed by dad. They were married for 70 years and have left us all with wonderful memories. Alone for the last five years, Mom maintained her good nature and sense of humor despite declining health. She was able to live independently until the last 2 months, spent at Riverview Retirement Home in assisted living. She was adjusting to the changes when she had a sudden heart attack and passed quickly, the way she would have preferred. A Celebration of Life will be held on December 22, 2017 at 11:00 AM at the Sunset Chapel, inside Fairmount Memorial Park, 5200 W. Wellesley, a gathering will follow at Cathay Inn, 3714 N. Division. We hope many will come to join us at Mom's last entertainment event. Mom named Hospice of Spokane or Shriner's Hospital for anyone wishing to donate in her name.