Audrey J. Buente

Audrey J. Buente, 96, of Versailles passed away Saturday, July 13, 2024 at the Manderley Health Care Center in Osgood. She was born in Friendship on July 2, 1928, the daughter of J. Melvin and Eunice Linkmeyer Sedam. She was married to Victor Buente on August 30, 1947 and he preceded her in death on December 8, 1993.

Survivors include one son Victor Jr. (Holly) Buente of Canfield, Ohio; one daughter Dawn (Darrell) Bustle of Versailles; grandchildren Michele Logan of Versailles, Amanda Brooks of Middletown, Ohio, Lori (Chris) Schneider of Saylor Park, Ohio, Eric (Kara) Buente of Farmdale, Ohio, Adam (Kate) and Damon Buente both of Canfield, Ohio, and Maggie (Greg) Osborn of Seattle, Washington; 14 great-grandchildren; her sister-in-law Janice Sedam of Carmel along with several nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Melvin Richard and Marion “Sonny” Sedam, and her sister Inez Smith.

Mrs. Buente was a 1946 graduate of Cross Plains High School and she attended beautician’s school in Chicago, and Central Normal College in Danville. She was a licensed beautician in both Illinois and Indiana and once had beauty shops in Madison and Versailles. Having grown up in the Great Depression, Audrey knew how to work, and work she did well past her 80th birthday. She was a former assistant manager of the Val Store in Versailles, worked at Ohio Rod, and had been employed with Mills Department Store and Beulah’s in Madison. She and her husband Victor had owned and operated the 421 Motel, a laundromat, and rental property all in Versailles. After her husband’s death, Audrey was a guide for Stewart Tours for over 15 years and had also worked at Lobo Leather in Versailles. She enjoyed her family, quilting and crocheting, doing her daily devotions, and was a follower of the NBA, especially wherever LeBron James was playing. Audrey was a member of the Cross Plains Methodist Church and attended the Tyson Methodist Church.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 20 at 11 a.m. at the Tyson Methodist Church with Rev. Gwen Durkee officiating. Burial will be in the Methodist Cemetery in Cross Plains. Visitation will also be on Saturday at the church beginning at 10 a.m. Memorials may be given to the Cross Plains Methodist Cemetery in care of the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles. The family gives special thanks to the Manderley staff for their compassionate care of Audrey during her final months.