Audra Belle Shenk

Audra B. Shenk, 100, passed away on March 16, 2016, at the home of her daughter, Karen (Robert) Zriny of Louisville, Kentucky. Born on November 22, 1915, in Churubusco, Indiana, to the late Hiram and Emma Frazier, Audra lived an exciting and adventurous life, most of which was spent near Garrett, Indiana, with her beloved husband of 61 years, F. Edward Shenk, who passed away in 1998. Audra was known for her energy, hard work and fun. She and Ed transformed their Indiana farmland into Shenk Airport and she worked alongside Ed in the hangar repairing aircraft and managing the business. In later years they also managed the DeKalb County Airport for a short time, where she continued on in the office. Not to be outdone by Ed’s racing, Audra built her own stock race car in the 1950's, and held the track record with her driver at Hicksville, Ohio, for several years. She also taught sewing and cooking as a leader for local 4-H clubs, participated in the Cedar Creek Church Ladies Aid, and was selected as the 1995 DeKalb County Democrat of the Year for her untiring support. She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Audra was known for her wonderful cooking. If not putting out last-minute plates for friends or customers, she was busy throwing huge dinner parties at the airport house or at their second home on Lake Oliver, Indiana. She and Ed traveled the world, touring Europe, Australia and New Zealand, plus most of the U.S., including numerous hunting trips to Colorado and many February's in Kona, Hawaii. Her grandchildren will remember with fondness their exciting and loving summers spent in Indiana with Grandma and Grandpa at the airport and lake. In addition to her parents and late husband, Audra was preceded in death by her much loved son, William Shenk of Bozman, MD; grandson Charles Shenk of St. Michaels, MD; siblings Hilda, Beryl, Doris, Rhoda and Leonard Frazier; and her devoted special friend of later years, Charles Purdum, of Syracuse, Indiana. Audra will be missed by her daughter Karen (Robert) Zriny of Louisville, with whom she lived for her last years; her daughter-in-law, Sharon Shenk of Bozman, MD; grandchildren, James (Noreen) Shenk, Darby (Michael) Doyle, Yancy (Jill) Moore and Paige Moore; and 9 great-grandchildren. There will be no visitation. A private celebration of her life will be at a later date. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Hosparus of Louisville (KY), or to your favorite charity.

Audra Belle Shenk

November 22, 1915 - March 16, 2016