Audrey Ann Merchen, 71, passed away peacefully on October 8, 2026 at Weston County Hospital. Audrey was born May 29, 1955, in Deadwood, South Dakota to Earl and Doris Miller.

She married the love of her life Lynn Merchen on October 2, 1976. Audrey was a homemaker while balancing a mining career at Homestake Gold Mine as a motorman, hoist room operator and electrician. She also waited tables at the local Sturgis truck stop during the motorcycle rallies. After her mining career she and Lynn moved to Arkansas where she worked as a waitress until her desire to be near her grandchildren called her to Newcastle, Wyoming where they called home for the last 20 years.

Audrey and Lynn raised five children, Edward (Sherri) Merchen of Newcastle, Diana Lipford of Martin, SD, Troy (Heather) Merchen of Newcastle, Stacey (Steve) Mitich, Newcastle, and Justin (Misty) Merchen of Russellville, AR.

Audrey was very dedicated and hard working and she instilled such skills in her family, always leading by example. She loved and took pride in her cooking and always had a garden, although Lynn would have claimed the garden. Her greatest joy in life was her family.

She is survived by two sisters, one brother, five children, 13 grandkids, 17 great grandkids, and two great-great grandchildren.

Audrey was preceded in death by both of her parents and her husband of 50 years, Lynn.