Audine EllaMae Votaw
Obituary

Audine was born in 1954 in Southern California. She grew up in a loving household with her sisters, Carrin and Janice, and older brother Jerry. Family adventures and laughs filled her childhood. Sometimes she and Carrin got into mischief, running from head-butting sheep, accidentally dyeing birds red with exploding paint cans, and after being caught lighting matches, burning a whole box one by one, down to their fingertips.

Audine married young and even though it didn’t work out, was grateful to Daryl because together, they had two children, Christopher and Stephanie. She always made sure that her children heard good stories about her life with Daryl, so they knew they came from a place of love and care.

Audine worked as a paraprofessional for almost 30 years with Los Angeles County, providing in-class support for moderate to severely disabled students. Her compassionate heart thrived in this environment and she enjoyed her work.

When Chris and Stephanie were in high school, they lived across the street from school. Because of this and the fact that the home was warm and inviting, they had a constant stream of friends hanging out, staying over, and even living with them. The kids’ friends knew Audine was a safe space for them and loved being there, even when she assigned household chores while they were guests!

Audine had many friends and was relied upon for compassion, understanding, and emotional support from all who knew her. She loved crafting and friends and family are grateful they have gifts made by her hands to remember her.

After retirement, she spent time with family, including lots of time with grandchildren Clayton, Nathaniel, and Claire whom she loved very much.

In late June 2026, she was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia and the disease and its complications quickly took their toll.

Audine’s family is left with a huge hole as we grieve this loss. We will remember her easy, warm laugh, her unsolicited, but surprisingly wise advice, her joy and kindness.