Audrey Gass

Audrey Ann Wike Gass, 84, passed away Sunday, Sept, 9, 2012, at her home in Hixson.She was born in Philadelphia, Pa., the youngest daughter of the late Milton and Catherine Wike. She spent her childhood and youth in Boston, Mass., where she graduated from Somerset High School and attended business college. At 25, she enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed at Goodfellow Air Force Base in San Angelo, Texas, where she met and married Spencer R. Gass, who was also stationed there. After discharge from the service, they moved to her husbands hometown of Chattanooga, where they raised their four children. They were married 31 years until his death in 1984.She was a member of St. Jude Catholic Church for 52 years and volunteered through the years for her church and for Catholic Charities. Her faith was a guiding force in her life and the foundation of her character. She loved to travel and visited many foreign countries. She nurtured a life-long love of her native New England and always enjoyed her visits there. At home in Hixson, she was an avid bridge player, movie fan, and very knowledgeable football fan. She loved spending time with her family and wonderful friends.She was preceded in death by her husband, Spencer R. Gass; parents, Milton and Catherine Wike; sister, Vera Pottle; and brother, Milton Wike Jr.She is survived by her four children, Karen (Joe) Hutcherson, of Soddy-Daisy, Stephen (Liz) Gass, of Acworth, Ga., Lee Ann Neely, of Winston-Salem, N.C. and Brad (Annette) Gass, of Madison, Ala. She is also survived by nine beloved grandchildren: Ashley (Bryan) Hobbs, Michael (Liz) Hutcherson, Michelle Gass, Kaitlyn Gass, Jared Neely, Paige Neely, Spencer Gass, Stephen Gass and Sam Gass; one great-granddaughter, Anslee Hobbs; one sister, Doris Garufo, of Norwood, Mass.; several nieces and nephews.The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. today, Sept. 12, at the North Chapel.Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Jude Catholic Church at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 13.Burial will be at Hamilton Memorial Gardens.In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in Audreys memory to Catholic Charities, 859 McCallie Ave., Chattanooga, TN 37403.Please share your thoughts and Memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com.Arrangements are by Chattanooga Funeral Home Crematory and Florist, North Chapel, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.