Audie Lorene Hawkins-Schaeffer

Audie Lorene Hawkins-Schaeffer, age 90, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away on Sunday, November 8, 2020, at River City Living Community. She was born on May 19, 1930 in Chickasha, Okla., the daughter of Casper Alonzo and Ola Odessa (Truesdell) Welch. Audie was first married to Donald Fred Hawkins on July 29, 1945 in Olton, Texas, who preceded her in death. It was to this marriage her five children were born. She later married Patrick Richard Schaffer in Osage Bend, Mo. on July 21, 2000, who survives. Audie graduated from Olton High School in Texas. After moving to Arizona, she went to work for American Linens in Phoenix, where she was employed for 15 years. There, she prepared uniforms for commercial companies. Audie was a member of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church. She also was a member of Jewish Voice Ministries. Audie was a strong believer and enjoyed sharing her faith at Vacation Bible School. Audie expanded her faith and knowledge by reading the bible, spiritual books, and Readers Digest. She enjoyed playing 42 dominos and scrabble. Audie loved to travel, Arizona being her favorite place to visit. When her children were young, they liked to go camping together as a family. Most recently, Audie enjoyed walking her grandchildren to school. Some of Audie's fondest memories were spending time with her family and her visit to Woods Canyon Lake in Arizona. Audie will be remembered for her unique sense of humor, her determination, and how independent she always was. She was always understanding and supportive, encouraging her family and friends to chase their dreams. Survivors include: her children, Donna Johnson of Jefferson City, Mo., Donald Hawkins Jr. (Juanita) of Patagonia, Ariz., Ranae Gardner of Jefferson City, Mo., and Terry Hawkins (Dawn) of Phoenix, Ariz.; 14 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and one more great-grandchild on the way. Audie was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband; a daughter, Sharon Lorene Hawkins; and her siblings, Jessie Welch, Joy Welch, Roy Welch, Haskell Welch, Odessa Kidd, William Welch, Edith Welch, Homer Welch, Marvin Welch, and Claude Welch. Visitation will be held at Freeman Mortuary from 11:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., Thursday, November 19, 2020. The general public is welcome to attend the visitation while following social distancing guidelines. Please stay six feet apart and avoid close contact. Anyone is welcome and encouraged to wear personal masks or other personal protective equipment while in attendance. Funeral services will be conducted in the Freeman Chapel at 12:30 p.m., Thursday, November 19, 2020 with the Reverend I.C. Medina officiating. Graveside services and interment will follow at Hawthorn Memorial Gardens. A webcast of the funeral service will begin at 12:15 p.m. for friends that are not able to attend by going to her memorial page on Freeman Mortuary's website. Friends may mail sympathy cards to the funeral home or leave condolences online to be given to her family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Jewish Voice, St. Stanislaus Catholic Church or Samaritan's Purse. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com