Audrey Helen Sabby passed away at her home on Friday, May 10, 2024 at the age of 84 after a beautifully lived life. Full of love, laughter and resilience, Audrey and her smile touched the lives of all who knew her.
Audrey was born on March 1 in Baldwin, Wis. to Helen and Oliver Larson. She grew up on a small farm and walked to Willow Hill Country School with her brothers each day. The family moved to River Falls where she attended RFHS and made many life-long friends there and enjoyed a reign as Prom Queen. During high school Audrey met Kenny, the love of her life. They married shortly after graduating and would spend the next 64 years of marriage together; all after accepting a ride in his ‘46 Ford Coupe.
Audrey lived in River Falls in the same house for the rest of her life. Her home was one of her favorite places, especially when it was filled with family. Audrey worked at the First National bank in St. Paul and River Falls until she had her three kids. She stayed at home until the kids were in school, and then worked at Westside School until she retired. During those years she also enjoyed bowling every Wednesday night with the girls representing River Falls State Bank.
Audrey’s greatest joy was her family. She cherished time she spent with them and would connect with family daily. She was quick to master the art of text messaging to be able to connect, especially with her grandkids. Phone calls and text messages aside, it will be her smile and her laugh along with her Gramma hugs her family will miss the most.
Audrey’s friends also meant the world to her. She loved getting together for breakfast and attending her high school friends’ monthly lunches. There weren’t many times Audrey wasn’t with Kenny, and his companionship lead them on many adventures in the motorhome, spending time at the cabin, and being part of Northern Vintage Racing. She was an avid reader and watched every single Hallmark movie produced. And although she rarely shared it, her secret talent was her beautiful singing voice.
Rush River Lutheran Church was incredibly important to Audrey. It’s where she gained her incredible faith, strength and generosity. She was baptized, confirmed, married and her funeral service will be there as well. She loved going to church, but in recent years became an avid watcher of the online service. Audrey’s Sandbakkel cookies are well known at Rush River, and her house was filled with the smell of dozens and dozens of her delicious cookies every year for the annual church supper.
To her family, Audrey exemplified constant love, incredible strength, faith, loyalty, kindness, selflessness and humility. Her glass was always more than half full and her family feels incredible luck and gratitude for having her as a role model
Audrey was a preceded in death by her parents Helen and Oliver Larson; mother-in-law Helma and father-in-law Fred; sisters-in-law Marilyn and Marge; and special nephew Danny Larson.
Audrey will forever remain in the hearts of family that survives her; husband Kenny; daughter Terri (favorite and only son-in-law Dave); daughter Traci; son Chris and special daughter-in-law Jenny; grandchildren Miranda (John); Katlyn, Alexis and Carissa; and great-granddaughter Isla Jo. She is also survived by four brothers: Eugene (Carol), Leroy (Karen), Jim and Dave (Geraldine), along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
A final goodbye to Audrey will be held at Rush River Lutheran Church (8605 County Road Y, River Falls, Wisconsin) on Sunday, June 9 with visitation at 1 p.m., funeral service at 2:30 p.m. and memory sharing to follow in the church basement.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials may be directed to Rush River Lutheran Church.
Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.
