Audrey A. Tatum

Audrey Ann Tatum, 85, of Palestine, Texas, and formerly of Chetopa, passed away on Sunday, June 16, 2024, surrounded by her family.

She was born on October 29, 1938, in Chetopa, Kansas, to Earl and Betty (Emert) Garrett.  Her beloved husband, Bill, liked to say, "Nothing really exciting ever happened in Chetopa, until I met Audrey Ann."  Audrey was a soda jerk at her local pharmacy, the town's go-to after school hangout.  The two of them met in high school study hall and began their seventy-year romance, marrying in June of 1958.

Bill's job at the railroad moved them to their forever home of Palestine, Texas, in 1977.  From the start, Audrey was a huge part of the local community.  Not only was Audrey a member of a million clubs, but she was also president of most of them.  Whether it was through her faith (First United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, FUMC Glory Bells Hand Bell Choir), charity (Harvey Woman's Club, DAR), her love of the outdoors (Pionette Garden Club, Dogwood Garden Club Festival of Trees), or just staying social (Newcomer Clubs, Queen Mum Dogwood Diva's Red Hat Club, Birthday Luncheon Club, Birthday Dinner Club, Bunco Club, Pulpwood Queen Book Club) – if there was a club, she was in it, and we probably missed some.

Though they loved their home base, they also adventured around the world.  Audrey in particular loved to snorkel and take long walks in nature. She was the life of the party but was also a great listener and friend.  She often walked the neighborhood in the mornings to connect with her neighbors and friends.

Audrey was blessed with two children, four grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren.  She was incredibly devoted to her family and was so involved in her grandchildren's lives, she was sometimes mistaken for a parent.  Audrey made sure her grandkids could join as many activities as they wanted, and she never missed a performance.  Audrey was a consummate hostess, ready to feed a house of twenty at a moment's notice. Her grilled cheeses were so legendary that her family rebelled when her world-famous pan was retired from overuse.

Audrey was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bill Tatum, on January 18, 2024; and her sister.  She is survived by her brother, Earl Garrett, Jr.

We ask that you send well wishes to family members including, her daughter, Diane; son, Terry; granddaughter, Breann and her husband, Lee; grandson, Billy and his wife, Ashley; and grandson, Bryant and his long-time girlfriend, Stephanie; as well as her great-grandchildren, Katelyn, Madison, James, Clarke Ann, Logan, Eleanor, Olivia, Hannah, Madie, Trenton, Raegan, and Kenlynn, as they honor their cherished mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

The family will be having a private family burial at Oak Hill Cemetery in Chetopa under the direction of the Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home of Chetopa.  A Celebration of Life for both Audrey and Bill will be held at a later date in Palestine, Texas.