Audrey Bethel Krouse-Erdman age 94, of Mitchell died Saturday, November 8, 2014 at Avera Brady Health and Rehab. Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Friday at Resurrection Lutheran Church. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 PM Thursday at the Will Funeral Chapel. Burial will be in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery at Artesian, SD. Audrey was born January 22, 1920 at her parents' rural home in Miner County near Fedora, SD to Frank Morris and Caroline (Lena) Anders. She was their only child. Audrey lost both of her parents at an early age; her mother from injuries sustained in an incubator explosion when Audrey was 13 months old and her father when she was fifteen from injuries after being thrown by a horse. She attended eight grades at Fedora Elementary School and graduated from high school there, as well; however she did attend high school at White River, SD during her sophomore year, while living with her Uncle Chris and Aunt Hattie. Audrey graduated from Eastern South Dakota State Normal School (later General Beadle) at Madison and taught for one year at a rural school in Miner County. She was united in marriage to Leonard (Fat) Krouse on December 27, 1940 and they lived in Miner County near Fedora until his death on October 18, 1977. One child was born to this union, Connie Jeanne. Audrey married her second husband, Donald Erdman of Mitchell, SD on November 27, 1993, where they resided and were living at her passing. Audrey had been a resident at Avera Brady Nursing Home since 2007. As an only child losing both parents quite early and living with several different relatives, Audrey did not have the happiest youth. She spent most of her time outdoors entertaining herself. She loved animals and was happiest when she was spending time with them, breaking horses or riding calves. After she had her own home, her time was spent working in the fields, gardening and growing flowers. Her green thumb was quite evident! She spent many hours outside with her grandsons when they would spend summer vacations on the farm - many races were run; however grandma always won because the boys were too busy laughing. Audrey loved and lived for her family and the feeling was mutual. Her passing leaves a definite void, but we will always hold dear the memories she left behind for us. She is survived by her husband Don of Mitchell; daughter Connie (Ray) Johnsen, Panora, IA; grandsons Scott (Mary Beth) Johnsen, Boyden, IA, Colin (Rachelle) Johnsen, Rock Rapids, IA, Neel (Melissa) Johnsen, Alton, IA; ten great grandchildren and three nieces and two nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents and first husband Leonard.