Audna Austin Moretz

Audna “Austin” Moretz, 85, passed away Saturday, October 15, 2022, at his home in Lenoir, NC after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. He was born March 5, 1937, the son of Blaine Moretz and Marie Lookabill Moretz in Boone, NC. He is preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Esther Geraldine Moretz and his sister Carolyn Moretz Farrell. A graduate of Applachian High School, in Boone, Austin served in the United States Marine Corps after he graduated from high school. He married his wife, Geraldine, in 1959. He earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from Appalachian State University, in his career in education, he worked for Caldwell County Schools. Many of his fondest memories came from his twenty-six years serving as principal of Collettsville School and from his years teaching at Hudson Elementary School. Austin grew up on a farm and was no stranger to hard work. His childhood experiences grew into his favorite hobby as an adult, and he loved to be outside on his farm. He could often be found doing his favorite things: working in his garden, tending to his cattle, or riding his tractor. A great storyteller, he loved to spend time with his family, to visit with neighbors, and make everyone laugh with his stories, many of which came from his childhood or his experiences farming. Austin was steadfast in his faith and his favorite part of worship was singing. He often blessed those around him with his beautiful singing voice. He was a long-time member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Hudson where he worshipped often until his health did not allow him to attend. From that point on, he loved seeing members of the church who visited and sang with him at his home. Austin loved his family and is survived by his daughter Anna Crooke and her husband Arex Crooke of Lenoir, his beloved grandson Aidan Crooke of Lenoir, his sisters Wanda Moretz Moore of Graham and Martha Ann Moretz of Boone, and his brother Leon Moretz of Gastonia. He loved spending time with them as well as his extended family. His family would like to thank his caregivers who have helped him over the last few years and allowed him to continue living in his home with loving assistance and treated him like family. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 22 at 2:00pm at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Hudson, NC with Pastor Dan Duke officiating. The family will receive visitors prior to the service from 1:00pm to 2:00pm. Burial to follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Park in Lenoir. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church or Amorem Hospice. Evans Funeral Service is honored to serve the family of Mr. Audna Austin Moretz.