Audrie Crawford Bennett

Audrie Bennett lived a life full of faith, family, learning, service, travel, laughter, and, according to her family, just about everything else in excess.

She came into this world in a way as memorable as the woman she would become. Audrie was born on the kitchen table of the Crawford family farm, delivered by her own grandmother. From that beginning, she went on to touch countless lives and leave her community a better place.

Audrie was a lifelong learner and an accomplished educator. She earned an Associate of Arts degree from San Juan College, graduating Magna Cum Laude, followed by a Bachelor of Arts in English from Fort Lewis College, also Magna Cum Laude. She later earned a Master of Arts in English from Northwestern Arizona University, again graduating magna Cum Laude. She shared her love of learning with generations of students during her 18 years teaching at Hermosa Junior High.

Audrie also had a lifelong love of words. She loved writing poetry, finding joy in putting her thoughts, observations, faith and feelings into words. Her love of poetry was another expression of the creativity and curiosity that were such a big part of who she was.

Her commitment to her community extended far beyond the classroom. Audrie served as President of the Anasazi Foundation and President of the Civic Center Foundation. She was a longtime volunteer with the San Juan Regional Medical Center Auxiliary and eventually became a Lifetime Member after contributing more than 3,000 hours of service. She was also honored as a CASA Volunteer of the Year and was the Governor’s choice for Woman of the Year.

Audrie was a woman of deep faith. She was the last surviving charter member of Emmanuel Baptist Church and spent many years involved in the life of the church. She taught Bible study at The Bridge and even traveled to Kenya on a mission trip, taking her faith and love of people far beyond home.

She was also an avid traveler who loved experiencing new places and meeting new people.

Audrie was not one to do anything halfway. Her family lovingly referred to her as a “woman of excess.” She cooked too much food, put too much salt on it, and loved people to excess. While her family could tease her about all of it, they knew that her abundance was one of her greatest gifts. She gave generously and loved fiercely.

Audrie also had an entrepreneurial side. She was co-owner of The Frame Corner, where her creativity and love of people were put to good use.

Out of all of Audrie’s accomplishments, her family was her greatest source of pride.

She is survived by her husband, Gene Bennett; her son, Dr. Robert Noland and his wife, Deb, of Littleton, Colorado; her daughter, Robin Herrera of Lakewood, Colorado; her daughter Melissa Sharpe and her husband, George, of Farmington, New Mexico; her daughter-in-law, Jackie Noland, of Highlands Ranch, Colorado; eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren, with an eleventh great-grandchild on the way. She is also survived by her brothers’ and sisters’ in-law, Gerald and Sandy Bennett, and Terry and Jean Bennett.

Audrie was preceded in death by her beloved son, Dr. Andrew Noland.

She had a special appreciation for the doctors and medical professionals who cared for her throughout the years and spoke fondly of the many physicians who were a part of her health care journey – most recently, Drs. Faherty and Imam. Her family also extends a heartfelt thanks to Basin Home Health and Hospice, whose compassionate care and support made Audrie’s journey to heaven so much easier to make.

Audrie was quoted, asking the question, “When you die, did you leave the world a better place to live in than when you found it? If you did, then you were successful.”

By that measure, Audrie lived a very successful life.

She will be deeply missed, greatly loved, and remembered with gratitude and joy.

A celebration of life will be held at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 211 W. 20th St, Farmington, New Mexico, on Saturday, November 14, at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:

Resurrection Church Campus Ministry

PO Box 19194

Boulder, CO 80308

Attn: John Moody