Audrey Chidester Hankins (1932-2020)
Audrey Chidester Hankins, 88, of Ellsworth, KS, passed away Dec. 12, 2020 after a short battle with COVID.
Audrey was born Dec. 2, 1932 to Robert and Bonnie Chidester in Blue Island, Ill. After attending school in the Chicago Public School district, she went on to work in downtown Chicago as a telephone operator.
In 1975, she married Denzel Hankins, and lived in Chicago Heights, Ill. where they raised their family.
In 1956, Audrey had her first child and decided to dedicate her life to being a fantastic and wonderful mother. Audrey excelled at supporting her family members through their many passions of their lives. Whether that was helping Bonnie and Amy in their school activities, or supporting Rusty through many sports, she made it her mission to improve the lives of others.
Audrey was a passionate Bridge player and when she wasn’t filling her home with warmth and kindness she could be found involved in her clubs and organizations. These include: P.E.O., Quest club, Salvation Army, Ellsworth Progressive Study, and her weekly church activities. They will miss her greatly.
Audrey was predeceased in death by her parents, Robert and Bonnie Chidester and her husband, Denzel Hankins.
She is survived by her brother, James Parker; her sister, Judy Stewart; her children, Bonnie Ray (Dan), Amy Lawes (Jeff), and Rusty Horton (Amy); her grandchildren, David Ray (Becca), Abby Hulse (Toby), Adam Ray (Natalie), Brian Lawes, Haylee Corey (Marcus), Gracelyn Lawes, Erik Horton, Ellyson Horton, Eli Horton; her great-grandchildren, Hunter Hulse, Gunner Hulse, Walter Hulse, Maisy Hulse, Spealler Ray, Heppner Ray, and Autumn Ray. She is also survived by wonderful friends that she has spent the last several years making special memories with and we are very grateful for that.
There will be a Celebration of Life in the summer of 2021 in Ellsworth. All of Audrey’s friends and family will be contacted at that time.
Cards can be sent in care of Parsons Funeral Home, PO Box 45, Ellsworth, Kan. 67439.
Condolences can be made at parsonsfh.com.