Audrey E. Westphal passed away at the age of 86 on January 22, 2023. She was born on July 9, 1936 in Battle Creek, Michigan to the late Wayne and Thelma Tobey. She had two brothers who have passed before her (Michael and Richard). Audrey lived most of her adult life in Elmhurst and in recent years, at a retirement neighborhood in Romeoville. She was a graduate of Bellevue High School in Michigan and of Elmhurst College.
She was the beloved wife for 66 years to Ronald W. Westphal, Sr. She had five children: Christine (John) Sego of Noblesville, Ind.; Catherine (Bruce) Bichler of Wheaton; the late Cynthia (William) Baird of Springfield, Mo.; Carol (David) Dinelli of Wheaton; and Ronald (the late Tina) Westphal, Jr. of Fulshear, Tex.
She was the proud Grandma and Great-Grandma of 19: JJ Westphal; Kristina (Ricky), Haley and Kelly Schrader; Stephanie (Rob), Gavin, and Eliana Cooper; Kristen (Jake), Taylor and Logan Barchenger; Jenna Bichler; Nora (Dan) and Caleb Warnke; Melissa (James) Toaddy; Chelsea and Abby Baird; Brooke, Mackenzie and Hailey Dinelli.
Audrey lived a long, full life with many family activities and outside interests. In the 1980s and 90s, she operated an in-home daycare center providing preschool and before/after school childcare. She traveled across the U.S. and took two trips to Europe. She was an avid reader and always had a book or two that she was reading. For many years she was on a couple’s bowling league with her husband. She also enjoyed nature, watching college sports on TV, water aerobics, cooking, baking, and taking care of her pets. She was an active member of St. Peter’s United Church of Christ in Elmhurst and, over the years, served as a Sunday School teacher, Greeter/Usher, and a participant in the Women’s Guild, Women’s Circle, Bible Study, and other church programs. She will be most remembered for her strong faith, devotion to her husband, pride in her family, and deep love of reading and learning. May she rest in peace in heaven with our loving God.
Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, Feb. 4 at St. Peter’s United Church of Christ, 125 West Church Street. Family and friends may visit from 9 a.m. until the time of the Service at 10 a.m. Light refreshments to follow. Interment will take place at St. Peter’s United Church of Christ Cemetery at 12:30 p.m. Memorial donations may be given to St. Peter’s United Church of Christ Memorial Fund – contact (630) 530-6000 or [email protected].
Arrangements are being handled by Elmhurst Community Funeral Home, (630) 834-3515 or elmhurstfh.com. Online condolences may also be shared at elmhurstfh.com.
