Obituary of Audralee Yoas

Audralee Glaubke was born extremely premature, weighing only one pound, on July 7, 1930, in Indianapolis, Indiana.  She was the daughter of Paul Edward Glaubke and Mary Louise (Haynes) Glaubke.  Sadly, her mother passed away during childbirth.  Her father being heartbroken even abandoned her for a time.  Lee was born with cataracts, eventually receiving a left eye prosthesis.  She would grow to all of 4’11” in height, and although she faced many challenges throughout her life, and her story might be sad…she found a way to persevere.

Lee attended high school in Indianapolis graduating with the Class of 1950 form Arsenal Tech.  From a young age, music was a large part of her life.  In high school this passion only blossomed.  At her school, girls were not allowed to be members of the marching band.  Not to be discouraged, she rounded up the other girls anyway and petitioned the school board for permission to join.  Because of her activism the policy soon changed, and young women’s lives in her community were positively shaped forever.

In the early 1980’s, Lee made her home in San Francisco, California, her favorite place to live.  She cherished the atmosphere from the cable cars, the streets (Lombard Avenue especially), to the climate.  Audralee moved to Southeast Michigan in the mid 1980’s.  She was employed for several years in retail at Goodwill Industries, in Detroit.  She married Stanley Herman Yoas on December 10, 1987, at Christ Lutheran Church in Monroe.

Lee took a position as the leasing office manager at Norman Towers for more than twenty years.  Later in life she attended classes at Monroe County Community College.  In 2005, she earned her Associate of Science in Criminal Justice minoring in Journalism.  At her college commencement ceremony, she was given the opportunity to speak by her Journalism instructor.  However, not being one to brag, her own family didn’t even know until she made her way to the stage in the middle of the event.  For many years, Lee participated in the MCCC band playing the saxophone.  She eventually became the eldest member of the group as her contributions continued until the onset of COVID. 

Lee was also a member of a Downriver band.  This association led to her being invited to be a delegate in a national, mass band playing at the 70^th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.  She even negotiated for her grandson, Chadd to tag along and play the drums, an extremely proud moment for them both.

Lee was known for warm and inviting smile.  Foul language never came out of her mouth and furthermore she made it a point to speak ill of no one, believing wholeheartedly the old adage, “if you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all.  She was generous with her own resources and willing to give to anyone in need, knowing that a stranger was only a friend she had not yet met.  For many years, through rain or shine she was a Salvation Army Bellringer. 

Lee loved to travel with Torch Lake being a favorite escapade.  Each year she traveled with six to eight ladies to visit their friend Sherry's place, enjoying each other’s company and spending time in Traverse City amongst other Northern Michigan destinations.  She often visited Lighthouses on her adventures with the Grand Traverse light being the most preferred.  The past three years, when the girl’s trip became too much to manage in person, Lee was able to tag along by Facetime. 

With a thirst for knowledge, Lee had a passion for reading up until the end of her earthly days.  She loved Christmas and the associated decorating, accumulating a collection of more than 300 nutcrackers ranging in size from several inches to more than four feet tall.  She also enjoyed the Peanuts animation but especially Snoopy and had a huge collection of Bradford Exchange figurines.

Throughout her life Lee remained extremely independent.  In August of 2024, following several falls which decreased her mobility and created immense continuous pain she made the difficult decision to make her home with her daughter and son-in-law.  On Sunday morning, October 6, 2024, at 2:00am, Audralee “Lee” Yoas, age 94 of Frenchtown Township passed away surrounded by her beloved family and under the care of Elara Caring Hospice.   At her passing she had the opportunity to meet her mother for the first time…in Heaven, what a joyous occasion that must have been.  In addition to her mother her passing was preceded by her father and stepmother; her loving husband of thirty-nine years: Stanley on January 8, 1997; two sons: Jimmy Cornelius on September 5, 2022, and Timothy Cornelius on November 6, 2023, and a half-sister: Jamie Gentry in March of 2010.

To cherish her memory, she leaves two children: David (Gail) Shavalia of Wheaton, Illinois and Lisa (Raymond) Bourgeois of Monroe; a daughter-in-law: Gayle Cornelius of Orlando, Florida; three grandchildren: Chadd (Rhonda) Johnson of Monroe, Laura (Marshall) Kyles of Monroe, and Rebecca (Nathan) Hayslip of Belleville; and eleven great grandchildren. 

Audralee also leaves her best friend of more than forty years: Tag DiCarlo.  The two had met while employed at Norman Towers where Tag was her direct supervisor.  She spent many holidays with Tag and was furthered blessed with five bonus grandchildren and eighteen bonus great grandchildren. 

Friends may gather on Monday; October 21, 2024, from 11:00am until 12:00pm at Grace Lutheran Church; 630 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162.   A Celebration of Her Life will take place at 12:00pm with Reverend Mark Witte pastor of the church officiating.  A memorial luncheon will follow in the church Fellowship Hall.  Her care has been entrusted to Merkle Funeral Service; North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185.  Cremation has taken place through Covenant Cremation of Erie, Michigan, a division of Merkle Enterprises, Inc.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Grace Lutheran Church or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.  Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.