Audrey May Bauer (née Rueter), age 98, passed away peacefully at home on January 4, 2026, with family and a close friend by her side. She lived a long life marked by dedication to her family, community, and faith.
Audrey was born on June 2, 1927 in St. Louis to Andrew and Marie Rueter (née Kroell). She was united in marriage to Edwin Bauer in 1961 and together they raised 3 amazing children. Audrey and Edwin moved to a small farm outside Willow Springs in the 70s and then to West Plains in the early 90s.
Audrey loved to drive, and was able to make a living doing what she enjoyed. She worked as a school bus driver for St. Mary’s Catholic School and later as a driver for SMTS and Ozark Independent Living. She finished her long driving career delivering dry cleaning for Murrell’s Cleaners. Her work reflected her strong sense of responsibility and connection to the people she served.
She was a member of Sacred Heart in Willow Springs and then St. Mary’s Catholic Church in West Plains, Audrey found strength and purpose in her faith. Her church community remained an important part of her life.
She had a particular fondness for horses and continued riding into her late 70s. She enjoyed being outdoors, spending time with her family, especially the babies, and running around town with her bestie Laurie.
Audrey is survived by her daughter Karen Bauer (Mary) of Maine; son Tim Bauer of Springfield; daughter Terre Farris (Vince) of West Plains; grandchildren Melissa Bentley (Jason), Jimmy Murrell (Katy), Ben Murrell (Lexi) Kialy Boone (Nathan), Kevin Farris, Rosalind Sherman (Matt), and Helen Gray-Bauer (Matt); great-grandchildren Jessi (Ty), Blaine, Beck, Gabe, and Emmy; great-great-grandchildren Tommie, Sunnie, Siggy, and Lainey; nephew Rick Rueter (Deb) of Colorado; niece Lynn Hoffman (Steve) of St. Louis; and longtime friend Laurie Davidson.
She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, sister Dorothie Modglin (Wilbur), brother Larry Rueter (Jenny), and niece Mary Jines.
A Celebration of Life will be held on January 17, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Genesis Church, 4945 US 160.
May Audrey’s memory bring comfort to all who knew and loved her.
