Audrey Joan Roland, 84, of Hiawatha, died unexpectedly Sunday, March 5, 2017, at her home.

Audrey was born July 28, 1932 in Shawnee County, KS, adopted by W.P. and Phyllis Myers Howery and was a lifelong resident of the Hamlin-Hiawatha area.  She grew up near Hamlin where she attended school, graduating from high school with the class of 1950.  She was a Tupperware Manager for over 24 years prior to working at Wal-mart as department manager and later in the deli, for over 27 years.  When she retired from Wal-mart, she enjoyed making cinnamon rolls when asked, a lot of times at no charge.

Mrs. Roland was a 4 H leader when the kids were small.  Audrey was a longtime member of First Baptist Church where she was in charge of the funeral lunches for several years.  She later attended the Christian Center and Eternal Hope Worship Center, both in Hiawatha.  She also worked in the kitchen for the annual Thanksgiving meal provided to Hiawatha area families.  Audrey was a friend to many, enjoyed helping if she thought there was a need.

She married Harry Roland, June 25, 1950, at Hamlin Baptist Church.  They farmed northeast of Hamlin until 1969.  They continued to live in the Hamlin area until moving to Hiawatha in 1979 where they have resided.  He died February 6, 1998.  She was also preceded in death by her parents; a brother Jessie; a son Michael; and a grand-daughter Lindsey Jones.
Survivors include her children:  Debbie Roland, Bill and Sarah Roland, Joyce and Bill Butrick, Herb and Debbie Roland, Peggy Roland, all of Hiawatha, Phyllis and Lonnie Jones of Morrill; 8 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Audrey’s life is planned for 2 p.m. Thursday, March 9, at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha.  Tony French and Rich Lehmkuhl will officiate.  Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Hiawatha.

Friends may call at the funeral home after 10 a.m. Wednesday where the family will meet from 6 until 8 that evening.

Memorial  contributions are suggested to MS Association or BCDS, which may be sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., 66434.                     

A special message or remembrance may be sent to the family at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com