Audrey Kathleen Nes Kuykendall, 68 of Taos, New Mexico, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family, on March 30. Born In Tripoli, Libya, she was the daughter of David G. Nes and Elizabeth Houghton Nes. She is survived by her beloved husband of 41 years Ben Kuykendall and their two dogs, Skyler and Brenna. She is also survived by her four sisters, Victoria Kirby, Nancy Knowlton, Margaret Nes, Wendy Del Terzo and her two nephews Nicholas Knowlton and David Del Terzo.
As the daughter of a career Foreign Service Officer, Audrey spent her childhood with her family living around the world—in Libya, Morocco, England, Vietnam, and Egypt. She graduated from Garrson Forest High School In Maryland. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree from Union College in New York. She also attended the University of Massachusetts, pursuing a Master of Science Degree in Botany, before returning to Taos. Ben was amazed when the most beautiful blue eyed brunet in northern New Mexico chose him, but she did, and they were married in 1982. They shared many adventures and pursuits in their years together. They enjoyed sailing off the coast of Maine to rowing a raft down the Grand Canyon as well as their careers in resource management.
Audrey worked for the Bureau of Land Management in the summers and was soon managing the Wild and Scenic Rivers Recreation Area, Orilla Verde and Santa Cruz Lake Recreation Areas. In the winters Audrey worked for, but soon became manager of the Pro Shop at Taos Ski Valley. In 1990 she was hired by the Carson National Forest and began a 28 year career as an Environmental Planner. Audrey was totally committed to “Caring for the Land and Serving the People”. Her dedication to excellence in environmental planning focused around community involvement in planning decisions. She was instrumental in a team of employees that were recognized nationally for innovations in American government. She was selected to receive the “Hammer Award” on behalf of her team which was presented in a White House ceremony by then Vice President Al Gore. Her work in public involvement has changed the face of environmental planning nationally as she became an instructor that taught the process to Forest Service employees across the Nation.
Audrey, along with her sister Nancy (an architect), designed her “Dream Home” and when Ben retired, they built a most extraordinary home and gardens on the edge of the forest. It is a beautiful setting with the purpose of bringing friends and family together. Audrey was a devoted wife, sister, aunt and friend.
Having cancer does not mean you can’t accomplish things. Audrey has fought this disease since she was in her 30’s. Not only was she beautiful and smart, she was tough. How many women can have a total hip replacement and climb Wheeler Peak a year later? She loved the outdoors and her mountains.
After being diagnosed with Metastatic Breast Cancer in 2018, Audrey dedicated herself to living life as fully as possible—devotedly swimming every day, tending her magnificent garden and recently creating a computerized comprehensive archive of her sister’s (Margaret) huge creation of art work. Audrey was a master of the NYT crosswords and loved zipping through those 1000 piece jig saw puzzles. She had compassion, faith, humor and and an amazing positive attitude that was inspiration and joy to all that knew her. As our close neighbor said, “Don’t worry about Audrey—after her last breath on earth, her next breath was in heaven!
Arrangements by Rivera Family Funeral Home. To share a memory, please visit our website at www.riverafuneralhome.com
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About |
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| Name | Audrey Kuykendall |
| Date of Death | March 30th, 2024 |
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Memorial |
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| Funeral Home | Rivera Family Funeral Home - Taos | |
| Address |
818 Paseo Del Pueblo Sur Taos NM 87571 United States |
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Family |
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| Siblings | Margaret Nes |
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published a tribute .
Ben, so sorry for your loss. Audrey was a special person. Cindy and I both enjoyed working with her and she was an inspiration to us both. I met Audrey when I was new to the Forest Service and she made a point to let me know if I had any questions or needed advice she was available, I really appreciated that and I took her up on that more than once. I do recall one time that she let me have it though. She was backing out of a parking space in a brand new FS vehicle and didn’t see me behind her so thought I’d play a joke on her and smacked the side of the car with my hand p. She thought she’d hit another car until she saw as me grinning, she didn’t think that was funny at all. Our condolences.
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published a tribute .
Audrey was always there -in the forests, wild places and gardens she loved, with her four footed friends, family and beloveds. She made every place sparkle.
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I baked a lot of birthday cakes for Audrey over the years, and often got a bit carried away with the improv baking & decorating. But Audrey always had a big smile, and gave me plenty of birthday cakes too We would watch a lot of Great British Baking Shows together and make silly comments, especially if they went into the cake realm. We would laugh that none of our cakes ever reached the dizzying heats of those British bakers…. But always tasted good!
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published a tribute .
Our hearts are so heavy after hearing the sad news that Audrey passed away. We rejoiced that she passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family. After reading her obituary, I couldn't help but say out loud, "now that was a life well lived".
In the summer of 2014, Audrey and a few of her hiking buddies decided to hike Wheeler Peak in the fall. Audrey mapped out a plan for all of us to get into shape by hiking various mountains in the surrounding area; Gold Hill, Itailiano Canyon, and a few more I can't remember. As she led each hike, she would talk about the plants, trees and birds along the way. On the day we set out, we didn't just hike Wheeler Peak, we conquered it. We were all well prepared and in great shape, thanks to our leader, Audrey. In the photo from right to left, Audrey, her dog Annie, Glenda, Gary, Susan, Valerie and Karen.
After our hike we went to The Taos Cow for an ice cream cone. Audrey bought two cones, one for her and one for Annie.
There are so many great stories and photos of Audrey. When I think of her, I can't help but smile.
She was an elegant, yet modest women. She was always trying to educate those around her about the forest. And you better pay attention, because she would follow up with a quiz.
My beautiful friend you will be missed so very much. I am looking forward to the day I see you again in Heaven.
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She talked about that hike to Wheeler with all of you -as one of he best!
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published a tribute .
This is a wonderful tribute to our sister Audrey. She was incomparable and is irreplaceable. Here she is, in a damp English garden in 2017, as beautiful and radiant as always.
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published a comment .
Nancy, I love this photo of Audrey. She was so excited to go on this trip. She brought back tea towels for her hiking buddies. I still have mine and when I use it, it makes me think of her.
Audrey always enjoyed you. Thank you for being a good friend to her.
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published a tribute .
Audrey was my first friend in the Taos area when I started at the Questa Ranger District. She and I were both Recreation Planners and our husbands (Ben and George) were both wildlife biologists. It was natural that we spent time together, laughing and sharing stories, rafting , hiking and exploring caves. I will miss you .
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published a tribute .
My condolences to the family. When losing a loved one it can be unbearable. In the Bible book of Isaiah 25:8 Jehovah God promises soon to "swallow up death forever." He also promises to bring back those who have fallen asleep in death (Acts 24:15). In a little while longer this kind of pain will be a thing of the past (Revelations 21:4). May these scriptures bring you comfort in this difficult time (jw.org)
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published a tribute .
My deepest sympathies to Ben and family. I was saddened to hear of her passing. She and I shared dream home ideas, I’m happy to hear that she made her’s come true. She remains in our thoughts and in our hearts. She is missed by those of us that knew her.
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published a tribute .
Audrey was a dear, dear friend and an amazing person. Her and Ben welcomed us to Taos when we moved there in 1999. Our four-legged furry kids became good friends and we often watched and took care of each other's dogs. Ben used to call them the butt buddies because they would sleep together butt-to-butt. Audrey was a great ski partner, co-worker, and a fantastic individual. She made our lives better - even at work. She always made us feel so welcomed in her home and in her life.
We will miss you and your outstanding smile but will always have great memories.
David & Cecilia.
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published a tribute .
Audrey was an exceptional person. Always willing to pass on her knowledge to others, helping others to learn new things. I had the opportunity to share an office with her for several years what a blessing. I hope to follow in your footsteps and encourage others to strive for the best. I miss you.
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published a tribute .
Audrey was always the champion of the underdog. I remember at Forest Leadership Team meetings, she was the one I could share an eye-roll with or if someone was droning on and on, she would provide a witty comment with a real zinger, so much of a zinger that the speaker usually didn’t even realize it. She was bright, witty, beautiful and I enjoyed being her friend at work and off-work. I miss you my friend.
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published a tribute .
Ben,I am so sorry to hear of your loss.I enjoyed Audrey’s so much. What a strong person and will be sorely missed/our thoughts are with you,stay well Ben. Mechele and Phil
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published a tribute .
Whenever I was enjoying the great outdoors with Audrey, it was an adventure and a learning experience. Once on a hike she taught me how to get on the ground when there as lightning. She was a wonderful sister full of love, grace and lots of knowledge (that I didn't have). I learned a lot about NM and plants from her.
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published a comment .
I remember the day this photo was taken. Audrey called to see if I could come up and take a picture of them for their Christmas card. When I got there, the whole family was outside and ready for their close up. They worked really hard trying to get the dogs to stand still and to keep the cat from trying to get out of Bens arms. In the end, it was one of the best Christmas photos of their whole family.
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published a tribute .
This is one of my favorite pictures of Audrey. This was the day she hiked Wheeler Peak in October 2014, with her hiking buddies and dog Annie.
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published a tribute .
My sister Audrey was the best sister and friend anyone could ever have. She was simply beyond wonderful in every way. Her strength, humor, clarity, courage, beauty and generous heart inspired me, and many others no end. Please plant some flowers or trees in her memory, as she loved nature and the beauty of gardens so much. xoxoxo Peggy
published a comment .
My deepest condolences to Ben and to Audrey's family. She was an amazing co-worker, I'm glad I had the privilege to work side-by-side with her on the Carson Core Team! Great accomplishments! R.I.P. Audrey... thank you for your sparkling friendship to me! You are a hero in my book!
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published a tribute .
My deepest condolences to Ben and Audrey’s family, May she rest in peace and fly with the angels.
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published a tribute .
She Walks in Beauty
BY LORD BYRON (GEORGE GORDON)
She walks in beauty, like the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies;
And all that’s best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes;
Thus mellowed to that tender light
Which heaven to gaudy day denies.
One shade the more, one ray the less,
Had half impaired the nameless grace
Which waves in every raven tress,
Or softly lightens o’er her face;
Where thoughts serenely sweet express,
How pure, how dear their dwelling-place.
And on that cheek, and o’er that brow,
So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,
The smiles that win, the tints that glow,
But tell of days in goodness spent,
A mind at peace with all below,
A heart whose love is innocent!
My heart is heavy that I may never hope to see my friend Audrey again on this earth. I am grateful for her friendship at Garrison Forest, Washington College College, and beyond though distance took its toll over time. I admired her for her excellent character, and loved her as my beautiful friend. She was her own person, confident, capable, smart, athletic, industrious, organized, attentive, open minded, and friendly. I can’t think of a positive attribute she lacked! I always wanted to be more like her! She created beauty wherever she went and was an unselfconscious beauty herself. What a smile! I will carry that with me always. Peace be with you Aud.
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published a tribute .
Condolences to you all. We remember well your wedding and your life together in Taos. Blessings and grace to you....Bob and Vickie Butler
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published a tribute .
Sitting in the backyard. pitting cherries, watching the dogs play. It doesn't have to be more complicated than that. Thanks for being part of my life. Keith
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published a tribute .
Me and Audrey in her beautiful garden. She created beauty and home wherever she went. Loved the outdoors, her sisters, and her beloved Ben. I am so very glad that our paths crossed many times over the years
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published a tribute .
Audrey was the most brilliant, beautiful soul. Every day on this earth was better because of her presence. Our hearts go out to Ben and all family members.
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