We found a plaque in Audine Word's house that speaks much about her life, it reads, "It is not how many years in the life that matters; rather how much life is in the years." Audine Ann Branstetter was born August 30, 1930 in her Grandmother Edith Richard's home in Harmon, Oklahoma to the proud parents Amos Henry and Reva Mildred Branstetter. She had two brothers Olin and Max who were more than brothers, they were lifelong friends. They spent some of their early years living in a log cabin and playing in Commission creek near the Bishop community where she attended school. Audine and family later moved to Arnett where Henry Branstetter operated the local produce. It was there that she learned to work hard and to not complain, virtues that stuck with her the rest of her life.

Audine attended school in Arnett where she majored in having fun. It was in Arnett that she made her decision for Christ and was baptized to demonstrate her faith. She met Charles Vernon Word Jr. who became her husband for the next 52 years. It was in 1952 that they moved to the U7 Ranch south of Arnett and made their home in what was the Little Turkey school house. Charles and Audine had six children and confused everyone by naming them Sherry, Millard, Brenda, Brent, Brad and Bruce.

Audine said, "We really worked hard but we played hard too." Everyone worked on the U7 ranch, Audine did all of the cooking, cleaning and washing and took her part in plowing, driving trucks or in whatever else needed to be done. In their spare time Charles and Audine loved to go to the lake and being quite athletic; Audine could still ski on one ski into her late 70's. Audine put much life in her years. Charles called her "high geared granny" and she really was; she remained very active almost to the end. She showed up sharply dressed to see her children and grandchildren in their numerous activities. In her later years she had the joy of traveling to several foreign lands including a trip to see her son in Paraguay which she considered the trip of a lifetime. She loved her fresh garden produce, her beautiful flower garden and watching her birds. She was known for being an excellent cook and served thousands of people at her table.

Audine fell sick and later passed from this life with all of her children and several of her grandchildren at her side. She passed away on June 24, 2014 at the age of eighty three years young.

During her life Audine suffered the loss of her husband Charles Vernon Word Jr., her son Millard Ray Word and grandson Shane Ryle Bales. She was also preceded in death by her parents Henry and Reva Branstetter, her brothers and sister in law Max Branstetter, Olin and Paula Branstetter.

Audine left behind a number of children, grandchildren and great grandchildren who will miss her greatly.

Her daughter Sherry and husband Earl Bales, grandson Clay and Lisa Bales with children Connor Bales and Faith Olson.

Her daughter Brenda and husband Lt. Col. George Giffin III, grandchildren Tina and husband Ron Wiscombe, Corey Giffin with children Ashlyn and Hayden Giffin.

Her son Brent and wife Lanie Word, granddaughter Jamie and Jason Nightingale with children Jeron and Jake Nightingale.

Her son Brad and wife Brenda Word and grandchildren Meredith, Ashly, Cristian, Anania and Micah Word.

Her son Bruce and wife Starla Word and grandchildren Trevor, Chelsea and Zane Word.

She is also survived by her sister in law Betty Branstetter and many other wonderful friends and relatives.

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