Audrey J. Stark, 100, of Washington, died Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at Washington County Hospital following a short illness.

A joyful celebration of life will be held at the Washington United Methodist Church in Washington, Iowa, on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 10:30 AM. The service will be available via Livestream on the Beatty Peterseim Facebook and YouTube pages. Inurnment will take place at the Hillcrest Cemetery in Brighton, following a meal at the church.

Audrey was born at the Washington County Hospital to Rhua Faye (Armstrong) & Leaton Erwin Helmick, was raised in Brighton, and graduated from Brighton High School in 1942. She raised her children, Terry Stark, Rebecca Lodge and Martha Stark with Joseph Sylvester Stark on a farm in Jefferson County, Iowa. Grandmother to John (Jayne) Stark, Jennifer Stark, James Stark and Joann (Jay) Nelson, great grandmother to Ean, Evan, Emma and Ella Stark. Preceded in death by Joseph, sister Mildred (Millie) Keating and son, Terry.

In 1939, she began work at age 14 polishing shoes at a shoe store. After many years in Fairfield, Iowa, work opportunities also took her to Paramount and Garden Grove, CA as well as St. Joseph, MO. She retired in 1988 as Field Manager for ANR Pipeline in Birmingham, IA. Following retirement, she resided in Washington, IA, where she lived independently including her last 13 years at Halcyon House. Audrey was known for her friendly smile, kind and generous spirit, and love of music. She played multiple instruments and sang in church choirs beginning at the Washington United Methodist Church. In retirement years, the “A Tempo Trio” was formed with her sister, Millie, and friends Virginia Tschantz and Mary Ann Paul (accompanist).

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Halcyon House Good Samaritan Fund, P.E.O. Chapter OC, or a charity of your choice. Donations may be sent to the Beatty Funeral Home, 107 S. 15th Street, Washington, Iowa, 52353.

She is survived by her daughters, and daughter-in-law, Mary Stark.

In memory of our mom, we invite you to enjoy a hot cup of coffee with a crossword puzzle or Wordle as she did.