Feb. 16, 1918 – Nov. 11, 2017
Audrey Taylor Kershner, age 99, of Longmont, Colorado met her maker and Lord on November 11, 2017.
She was born February 16, 1918 in Hopkins, Minnesota to Donald J. and Mary (Pavek) Taylor. Her family migrated to western Nebraska when she was in the 5th grade. In 1936, she completed her high school education and was one of the few graduates to find gainful employment. She found work in the public library in Alliance, Nebraska.
As the war situation accelerated, Audrey went back to the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. After working various jobs she enlisted with the WAC division of the Army Air Corps. On completion of basic training, she was sent to Rosecrams Field, Missouri, where she was trained to be an X-ray Technician. This military hospital received injured G.I’s coming home from the European war zone. X-ray was a quick method of determining if soldier in a cast was able to travel comfortably.
She met Kenneth Kershner of Wheatland, Wyoming while they were both working on the military base. When the war ended two years later, Kenneth was based in Florida and Audrey in California. Once discharged from the military, they were married on April 4, 1946. Like many young couples after the war years, it took a bit of time to get life directed in a positive way.
After Kenneth completed his education at the University of Montana in Missoula, he worked for the Forest Service as a Contract Specialist until 1976 when he retired. After a dozen or so moves in Montana and Idaho, he was transferred to the Lolo Forest in Hamilton, Montana. The Bitterroot Valley became home for the next 30 years.
In the meantime, Audrey spent her career years working at various banks and at the U of M. Once settled in the Bitterroot Valley, there was no end to the many projects she enjoyed. For 36 years, she was a member of the American Legion Post 94 in Stevensville, Montana; and starting in 1983 she became involved in the Legion Baseball Program.
Audrey is survived by family and friends who loved her and shared many of these memories with her.
There will be a memorial to commemorate both Kenneth and Audrey at the Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery in Missoula which will be announced at a later date. Cremation entrusted to Ahlberg Funeral Chapel and Crematory. Visit www.ahlbergfuneralchapel.com to share condolences.