AUDRIE ELAINE SKINNER CHRISTENSEN, 93 FREEPORT - Audrie Elaine Skinner Christensen, 93 years strong, passed away August 18th, 2013 at the Manor Court in Freeport. With Audrie at the time of her passing were son Bob, daughter Karla and their spouses. Supporting her family were her family of health care providers at the Manor Court, whose professionalism and caring were a blessing to all. Since 2011 Audrie fought a courageous battle with cancer. Throughtout that time with her illness she battled and beat many of the associated complications that came with her illness. Audrie asked for special mention to say thank you to "Team Audrie", with whose help she managed to stay living independently in her own home to the end. Bob and Marg, Doctor Fulton, Workman, and their staff, Martha Lehman, and her last known friend and care taker, Bonnie Gennussa. Audrie was a testimonial to the "Greatest Generation". She was a woman ahead of her time, in education and service to country. As a Navy wife in WWII she served where needed. She later took that love of country and gave many years to service in the DAR, Daughters of the American Revolution. Along with her husband, Chris, they settled in Freeport and believed strongly in moving their organizations and community forward. For many years Chris and Audrie owned Christensen Shellane Gas Company. The strongest belief one can have to a community is investing in its education and entrepreneurship. Their legacy will continue. Audrie was born on May 12, 1920 in Portland Michigan, the daughter of Horace R. and Mary E. (Miller) Skinner. On December 18, 1943 in Portland, Michigan, Audrie married Charles F. Christensen. Mr. Christensen died on January 16, 2002. Audrie graduated from Big Rapids High School, in Big Rapids, Michigan in 1938. She gained her B.S. in Home Economics from Central Michigan University, Mt Pleasant, Michigan in 1942, Certified Elementary Teacher grades K through 8 in 1960. Finally, in 1972, Audrie received her Masters Degree from the University of Illinois, in Education. She taught Home Economics in Lake City, Michigan. She was a Dietician at Charity Hospital in New Orleans, Louisiana. During World War II she was an Issue Clerk at P.O.W. Camp, in Fort Eustace, Virginia, home Economics Teacher at Dakota and Freeport Junior High School. Audrie also taught Third Grade at Forreston and Fifth grade at Harlem School, Freeport. Audrie was a member of United Presbyterian Church, Elder William Brewster Chapter, NSDAR. Served 9 years as Regent Illinois District II NSDAR-Served 2 years as District Director, Illinois Cameo Society, NSDAR, Illinois Society of Mayflower Descendants, Rockford Colony of New England Women, President, Colonial Dames XVII Century, Chaplain, Freeport Chapter #303 Order of the Eastern Star, PAST Worthy Matron, Stephenson County Home Economist in Homemaking, Stephenson County Retired Teachers Association, Illinois Retired Teachers Association, Life Member of National Education Association and was the recipient of the 2008 Voices of Woman of Excellence Award. Audrie enjoyed camping and traveling (especially cruises), Genealogy, Crafts and Sewing. Audrie's passion was for her clubs and organizations. She extremely enjoyed her leadership roles, and the many friends she met through those organizations. In 2012, Audrie gifted her family with a site at Woodhaven Lakes, wishing that her Grandson's children would have the opportunity of growing up cousins, and enjoying the joy Audrie, Chris, their children and her grandchildren knew. Surviving are sons; Robert (Marg) Christensen of Freeport, IL, David Christensen of Dublin, Ohio; daughter, Karla (Gary) Underwood of St. Albans, WV; grandchildren, Kevin (Jennifer) Christensen of Dunlap, IL, Cory (Nicole) Christensen of Rockford, IL, Julie (Keith) Hallas of Columbus, OH, Chip, and Ross Christensen of Columbus, Oh, William (Carrie) Underwood of Shinnston, WV, Christopher (Jamey) Underwood of Waxhaw, NC; great-grandchildren, Braden, Ryder, Campbell and Scarlett Christensen of Dunlap, IL; Draeden, Cole, and Kylie Christensen of Rockford, IL and Lillian Underwood of Shinnston, WV. Audrie was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and one brother, Robert E. Skinner. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. August 22, 2013 at United Presbyterian Church. Rev. Kathleen Luke will officiate. Visitation will be Wednesday evening, 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Burke Tubbs Funeral Home. There will also be a visitation from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service on Thursday at the Church. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Memorials have been established for Freeport 32 Masonic Learning Centers for Children Inc. (for dyslexic children) and the Freeport Catholic Schools. Please sign the guestbook and share a memory at www.burketubbs.com.