Audra Lynn Pond, age 56, of Ottawa, Illinois, passed away on January 6, 2026, in Streator, Illinois. She was born July 26, 1969, in Mendota, Illinois, the daughter of James “Smoke” Walters and RuthAnn (Sorenson) Walters.

Audra married Daniel Lee Pond June 20, 1992 at Bethel Lutheran Church in Ottawa, IL. She was preceded in death by her father, James “Smoke” Walters, and her goddaughter, Taryn Nicole Pakenham.

She is survived by her mother, Ruthann Walters of Port Charlotte, FL; her husband, Dan Pond of Ottawa, Illinois; and three children: Alex (Samie) Pond of Oglesby, Illinois, Chrissy Pond of LaSalle, Illinois, and Lexie Pond of Grand Ridge, Illinois. She is also survived by two brothers, Jim (Julie) Walters of Daytona, Texas, and Kyle Walters of Mendota, Illinois, along with three grandchildren: Scarlett, Blakely, and Hayden.

Audra loved bowling and enjoyed all of her different team mates over the years. She was a volunteer on the bowling board for many years. She also enjoyed sewing baby blankets for nieces, nephews, and friends. Audra dedicated her life to her family through all of her hardships in her life. She will be sorely missed, but remembered fondly by every life she touched.

Visitation will be held Monday, January 12, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Horner-Merritt Funeral Home in Mendota, Illinois. Funeral services will follow at 1:15 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will take place at Restland Cemetery in Mendota. Pallbearers will be Nephews: Ben Pond, Nathan, Pond, Austin Walters, Jake Walters and brothers: Kyle Walters and James Walters. Memorials may be directed to the family. Visit www.horner-merritt.com for online guestbook and video tribute.