AUDIS, Archie Leon

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona, Saturday, September 29, 2012 Archie Leon Audis, 45, of Prescott Valley, Ariz., passed away Sept. 16, 2012, after battling a terminal illness. He was born Sept. 19, 1966, in Mount Pleasant, Mich., to Robert E. and Lois A. (Johnson) Audis. On Feb. 23, 1985, he married his childhood sweetheart, Colleen Grissom. Archie is survived by his two sons, Devin (Heather) Audis and Cody (Aly - fiancée) Audis, both of Prescott Valley; mother Lois Slay of Prescott Valley; brothers John Slay of Montana, Shane (Lori) Slay of Prescott Valley, and Bob Slay of Prescott, Ariz.; sisters Debi Slay of Prescott Valley, Rhonda (Jack) Leonard of Yuma, Ariz., Geraldine Walker and Virginia Audis, both of St. Anthony, Idaho, Lori Ash and Brandi Audis, both of John Day, Ore.; grandchildren Brandi, Aurora and James Audis of Prescott Valley; grandmothers Florence Audis of Wilhoit, Ariz., and Juanita Stringham of Yuma, Ariz.; his Uncle Carroll (Ray) Audis of Wilhoit; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by the mother of his two sons, Colleen Battin. Archie loved being a grandpa to his three young grandkids. Archie worked as a carpenter in and around the Prescott area for more than 25 years until he was forced to quit recently due to his illness. He was an avid NASCAR fan and collector of many things: NASCAR memorabilia, guns, coins, matchbooks and a large collection of comic books, which he had been collecting since he was a kid. Most recently he began a new hobby: rock hunting. Archie loved being outdoors; looking for old and unusual things was a favorite past time of his. He also enjoyed hunting, camping and fishing with his favorite fisherman, his dad. It was not uncommon for Archie and his boys, along with the family dogs Brownie, Rocky and Cuddles, to throw a tent up in the backyard and camp there. Archie's favorite holiday was Christmas. He'd get so excited he rarely ever waited until Christmas day to open gifts, which made his boys very happy, too. Archie will be fondly remembered most by his family and friends for his warm, beautiful smile, infectious laugh and comedic behavior. Family get-togethers were double the fun where he'd pair up with his equally goofy brother, making our time together even more memorable with their silly jokes and antics. Archie loved to make people laugh and continued to tell jokes even while nearing the end of his journey. He will forever be missed. Archie was predeceased by his dad Ron Slay, grandfathers Archie Audis and Don Stringham, and a favorite cousin, his childhood pal, Earl Barney. A Celebration of Life will be 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012, at Praise Center of Prescott Valley, 2820 Mountain View Drive, Prescott Valley. Reverend Richard Evans officiating. Arrangements are by David's Desert Chapel in Wickenburg, Ariz. A special thank-you to everyone at Hospice Family Car of Prescott for all your care and kindness. Information provided by survivors.