Audrey Lois VanNortwick, 97, of Ludington, passed away Monday, July 6, 2026, at Oakview Medical Care Facility in Ludington. She was born June 30, 1929, in Muskegon, the daughter of Clayton and Blanche (Jensen) Crampton.

On February 18, 1950, Audrey married Wilbur “Willie” VanNortwick at Zion Evangelical Church (now Ludington Area St. Paul Church).

Together, Audrey and Willie ran a successful fruit farm in Riverton township. While Audrey managed the financial side of the farm, she could also be found in the orchards, picking fruit, driving a forklift, transporting fruit for processing and anything else that needed to be done. She definitely instilled this “do whatever it takes attitude” in her children.

In addition to the farm and in later years, Audrey worked at Ludington State Bank, Findling Insurance Agency, Klemm Real Estate, and then Coldwell Banker, followed by Greenridge Realty. She was also an extremely talented seamstress, doing alterations and custom sewing projects, including many Halloween costumes for her grandchildren and also very special Christmas stockings that will be forever cherished by all of her immediate family. Most of all, Audrey loved being a homemaker and was well-known for her delicious pies and cookies. She kept her cookie jar full, and that was the first stop for all who entered her home.

As their biggest cheerleader, she could be found traveling across the state for her children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events, choir, band and orchestra concerts, stage productions and graduations.

Audrey was a long time member of St Paul United Methodist Church where she held many leadership and volunteer roles over the years. More recently, she had been a member of the United Methodist Church of Ludington. She was active in 4-H for over 30 years as a leader and helping at the fairgrounds and also served as the Riverton Township Treasurer for many years. She loved to travel with Willie and her family, visiting all 50 states, Mexico and every province in Canada.

Audrey is survived by three daughters, Pam (Bill) Bernard, Lesa (Barry) Petrucci, and Gail (J.W.) McCormick; her son, Kim (Nancy) VanNortwick; nine grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren, with one more on the way; and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff at Oakview Medical Care Facility and Elara Caring for the exceptional care they provided. They also extend a special thank you to Marcia McCormick and Mary Bing for their weekly visits and never ending support, as well as Diane and Joel Carter and the many, many others who took the time to visit.

Audrey was preceded in death by her husband of 74 years, Wilbur “Willie” VanNortwick, in 2024; her daughter, Laurie VanNortwick; and her brothers, Richard (Donna) Crampton and Howard Crampton.

Memorial services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, July 31, 2026 at the United Methodist Church of Ludington, 5810 East Bryant Rd., with the Rev. Hillary Thurston-Cox and Audrey’s son-in-law, the Rev. Barry Petrucci, officiating. The family will receive friends and family at the church from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to the United Methodist Church of Ludington, 5810 East Bryant Rd, Ludington, MI 49431 or Oakview MCF, Activities Department 1001 Diana St, Ludington, MI 49431.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Pere Marquette Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com