A gracious lady has walked among us and left an imprint that will long be remembered. As the second daughter born to Artie and Glen Densmore on January 29, 1919, in the Coats Grove area of Barry County, Audra grew up on the family farm during the prosperity of the 1920's and depression of the 1930's. Farm life taught her a persistent work ethic and a caring for those around her. She attended the Woodland Public Schools and had a keen interest in writing and music. Her writing skills were recognized as a finalist in a State essay competition. Along with her mother on piano, her older sister, Margaret on violin, and Audra on the traps, the Densmore Orchestra regularly provided entertainment at local venues. The family moved to Hastings when Audra was entering her junior year in high school. She graduated from Hastings High School in 1937. Audra was accepted to Oberlin College where she studied music and became an accomplished musician on the piano and organ. After college, she returned to Hastings and was employed as an operator for the Michigan Bell Telephone Company. On December 31 of 1942, Audra married Wellesley A. Ironside at the First Methodist Church in Hastings. To this union, four children were born and Audra was a homemaker during their informative years. Once all of the children were off to school, Audra was employed by Pennock Hospital as the manager of the business office. As a mother, she was able to balance work with raising four children in a nurturing household. After retirement, Audra and Wellesley lived in Florida for a number of years until Wellesley passed away in 1994. Audra then returned to Michigan to be near her family and friends, including a number of quality final years living with her daughter, Martha Ironside. Audra had the unique ability to enrich everyone around her and always give of herself. She will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by family and friends. There was a reason Audra was put on this earth and everyone that met her knows why. Audra passed quietly away on February 8, 2008. She is survived by her children, John (Susan) Ironside of Atlanta, GA, Marilyn (Robert) Kraft of West Milton, OH, Robert (Patricia) Ironside of Grand Rapids, MI, and Martha Ironside of Plainwell, MI, as well as six nieces and nephews, seven grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. The family would like to thank the staff of the Laurels of Sandy Creek in Wayland, Michigan, for being so kind and giving Audra loving care during her last few years. In lieu of flowers, Audra would wish that you send any donations to the Pennock Hospital Foundation. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service time. Funeral services will be held Thursday, February 14, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. at the Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. Rev. Kathy Brown officiating and burial will be at Hastings Riverside Cemetery. Arrangements are by the Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. You may leave a message or memory to the family at (girrbachfuneralhome.net).
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