Audrey P. Martin knew her own mind. She had her way of doing things, and to her, that was the best way, and often the only way. That unmistakable determination was part of what made Audrey herself, and it is a part of her personality that her family and friends will remember alongside the visits, conversations, and card games they shared.

Audrey, 85, of Box Elder, South Dakota, passed away on October 1, 2026. She was born on April 17, 1941 in Wall, South Dakota, as the 4th of 11 children. Her childhood was spent on a ranch north of Wall hauling hay bales and herding sheep. She left home at 16 years of age to travel with the carnival.

Audrey married Eddie H Martin in 1964 in Texas. Audrey and her husband shared a business making stuffed animals and selling them in various outlets in the Dallas area. It was a distinctive chapter of her life. Their marriage and working lives were closely intertwined. They spent many years traveling the country with various carnivals until the death of her husband in 1980. This remained an important part of Audrey’s story.

In the early 1980’s she moved back to this area. Audrey loved visiting with family and friends. She enjoyed spending time together, catching up, and sharing a game of cards. These family gatherings were an important part of her life: time spent in good company, with conversation and a hand of cards to keep everyone around the table.

Audrey was firmly set in her ways, and those who knew her knew where she stood. Her strong will gave her a character all her own. Remembering Audrey means remembering that certainty just as much as the pleasure she took in being with the people she knew and loved.

She is survived by her son, Van Martin; her five sisters, Marjorie Tennyson, Arlis Babcock, Arlene White, Kathleen Weihe, and Darlene Horine; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Eddie Martin; his son, Eddie Martin Jr; her parents, Homer and Frances Pascoe; her sisters, Marie Nafziger and Hazel Pascoe and her brothers, Edwin Pascoe, James Pascoe and Robert Pascoe.

Audrey leaves her family and friends with memories of a life that included the traveling carnival, countless visits, and time together over cards. In those memories, her familiar presence and determined spirit remain unmistakably her own.

Service Information

At Audrey’s request, cremation has taken place. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered Friday, October 16th at 10:30 am at The Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Rapid City with Reverend Matt Falgren presiding. Burial will take place at the Wall Cemetery at a later date.

Friends and family are invited to sign the online guest register and leave written condolences at WestRiverFD.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Dean Moncur and the compassionate staff of West River Funeral Directors in Rapid City, South Dakota.