Audra Bryant Beckner passed away Monday, May 14, 2001, at 96 years old. Ms Beckner was born March 29, 1905, in Summerset, Kentucky. She attended a one-room Elementary school at Vernon, Colorado and graduated from Yuma Co. High, class of 1924, Wray County.

Audra worked for awhile at Remington Arms during the war then returned to school and graduated from Colorado State College, Greeley, Colorado with a Bachelor of Arts degree on December 11, 1957. Her major was Music Ed with a minor in Elementary Education. Audra attended Greeley College for a number of summers during vacation time to stay on top of her teaching career.

She married Orvel O. Beckner June 26, 1926, in Wray, Colorado.  They were married 60 years before Beck’s passing.  Audra and Beck owned and ran Beckner’s Café in Wray, Colorado.  Orvel, a World War I veteran, was transferred to Richland in 1944 and worked for General Electric Co until retiring.  He and Audra brought their two children with them.

In 1948, the Beckner’s purchased 15 acres in Finley. Audra went to work teaching school at Hover in Finley. She then taught in the Riverview Elementary School, mostly 6th grade, until she retired after 20 years.

The Beckners had race horses for many years, owned registered Angus cattle which they showed at the fairs for over 26 years, and owned Beckner’s Blue Columbia Angus Ranch.

Audra was a member of the Finley Methodist Church and then attended the Finley Baptist Church  which took over.

Survivors include daughter, Kathlynn “K-Lynn” Bogart and husband, Rod, of Pasco; son, John L. Beckner of Whitesboro, TX; 3 grandchildren: Audeena Faubert of Richland, Leasa Beckner of Spokane and Amy Beckner; one great granddaughter; numerous nieces and nephews; special, special loved ones and special friends to us, Francesca Bush, Rhonda Tarbox and Maria Mendoza of Multi Care Home Health whose help and love and kindness was unsurpassed in order for our family to cope with the difficulties during this last year; Audra’s Angels and K-Lynn’s extended family.  The family also wishes to thank Dorn and Anita Hamblin for their long time friendship, guidance and support over the years.  We are richly blessed.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Orvel O. “Beck” Beckner; mother and father, Lillian O. and John M. Botkin; sister, Kathlynn Elliott; and brother, John M. Botkin, Jr.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, May 18, 2001, at Einan's Funeral Home.  Audra will be laid to rest at the Hillside Cemetery in Fort Lupton, Colorado.