Lucille (Lou) (Raasch) Audsley, 94, passed away peacefully at her home in DeWitt, Missouri on January 30, 2026. She was born on December 6,1931 on a farm four miles west of DeWitt. Her parents were Awald Edgar and Helen MaryAnn (Harper) Raasch. The oldest of four children, she was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran Church.
Lillie attended Crispin, a one room country school, though the 8th grade and graduated from Carrollton High School in 1950. That same year she married Walter Eugene Audsley. At that time, she transferred her church membership to the First Christian Church in Carrollton, Missouri, where she was a member for 75 years. Together they had 3 children: Jeanne, Sharon, and Howard. Eugene bought an 80-acre farm where they lived together for 66 years until Gene’s death in 2017. Both of their families had lived in the DeWitt area since the1800’s.
Even though Lillie was considered a wife and homemaker, she was truly a full partner in all their farming endeavors. She held the farm and family together for an entire year in 1955 when Eugene contracted polio. Their farm was a typical row crop farm, but they also raised cows, hogs, chickens, and sheep. Whether it was driving a tractor, a grain truck or herding cows and hogs, her role was always defined as an equal partner.
Gardening was a way of life, but also a stress reliever for her. She loved her beautiful roses. She was active in several clubs and organizations. 4-H, VFW women’s auxiliary, Carroll County Museum, Republican Party, Pevine Club, and the Genealogy Association. Her hobbies included gardening, cooking, sewing, knitting, and traveling. She held the office of collector for Combs Township and worked every election as a judge for as long as she could. Playing a card game called pitch was a mainstay. Lillie had played the game since childhood. Her last game was just days before she died.
After her children were grown and married they started what would become adventures in travel. As the grandchildren and great grandchildren started to arrive, they traveled to visit them often. Lillie never wanted to miss a birthday, ball game, dance recital, or graduation if she could help it. She was blessed to attend all of her grandchildren’s weddings. Their travels also included trips to Europe, Australia, Hawaii, Alaska, and most of the US.
Lillie Lou maintained a close relationship with her entire family. She helped her mother and mother-in-law through the aging process. Everyone was always welcome in her home and at her table. She took immense joy in cooking and sharing her skills with others. Many fondly remember her dinners. For over 40 years the family held their annual cider making weekend each fall, often hosting 125 people or more.
With 11 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren, “Grandma Lillie”, made it her mission to keep up with their lives and accomplishments. Teaching the next generations about farm life was her mission. In her later years, she looked forward to their calls and the many questions they had about her life experiences.
Lillie loved the Royals and her KC Chiefs. She was known to cheer from her recliner and call out the penalties before they were announced. It is safe to say she will be missed by everyone who knows her.
Lillie was preceded in death by her parents, Awald and Helen Raasch, her husband, Eugene, two sisters, Thelma Valbracht and Louise Fecher, a brother, Harold, and a great grandson Hank Liebhart.
Survivors include two daughters, Jeanne (Mark) Liebhart, Sharon (John) Peterson and son Howard (Diane) Audsley, 11 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.
The family would like to thank all the wonderful caregivers and Shirkeys Hospice team for her amazing care and love through her final years. Their unfailing devotion allowed her to remain in her home until the end.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday, February 13, 2026 at Bittiker Funeral Home in Carrollton, Missouri.
The family will receive friends from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 14, 2026, at the First Christian Church in Carrollton, Missouri
Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 14, 2026 at 10:30 am at the First Christian Church in Carrollton, Missouri.
Burial will be at the Evergreen Cemetery in DeWitt, Missouri.
The family respectfully requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be mailed to DeWitt Community Center, C/O Jessie Lybarger P.O. Box 175 DeWitt, Missouri 64639 or Pleasant Park Cemetery C/O Cheryl Sanders 30226 Hwy 24 Carrollton, Missouri 64633.
The funeral service will be live streamed from the church.
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Source: KMZU, The Farm
