Hilda Mae Auman

With peace and love, we announce the passing of a dear Mother, Granny, Great-Granny and friend whose warmth, kindness, and gentle spirit touched the lives of all who knew her. Hilda left this world on August 14, 2025, at the age of 92. She was surrounded by love, leaving behind treasured memories that will forever be cherished by family and friends. She will be remembered for her unwavering devotion, her generous heart, and the wisdom she shared so freely. Though she is no longer with us in body, her legacy of compassion, strength and moral integrity will live on in the hearts of those she held dear. May she rest in peace, reunited with loved ones gone before, and may her memory be a comfort to all who knew her.

Hilda was born on June 17, 1933, in Asheboro, NC to George and Myrtle Ledwell and was their only child. She lived a charmed childhood, that included the companionship of her dog “Ginger”. These precious memories were readily shared with family and friends. Her parents instilled in her respect and compassion for all individuals, regardless of race, religious beliefs or ethnic background. Hilda was witty, loved to laugh and she especially loved to dance, winning the “Best Dancer” superlative in her Senior Year at Asheboro High School.

In 1951, she fell in love and married Darold Ray Auman, who was serving in the US Air Force as a tail-gunner. As a military wife, Hilda lived in Denver, CO, New Braunfels, TX and Savannah, Ga before moving back to Asheboro to welcome the birth of their first child, Kathryn in 1953. In 1955, the family moved to Raleigh, NC so that Darold could continue his studies at UNC-Chapel Hill. In 1961, they welcomed a new addition to the family, a son, Gregory. Job opportunities led the family to Charleston, SC for a year, and to Roanoke Rapids/Weldon, NC where they lived for approximately 16 years before returning to Asheboro, NC.

Throughout all the moves and cities, Hilda was able to find gainful employment as a secretary. Her secretarial and organizational skills were noteworthy, as her employers quickly surmised. As a member of the National Secretaries Association – Roanoke Rapids Chapter, she was awarded the honor of “Secretary of the Year” in 1970. Needless to say, her favorite class in high school was “typing”!

Upon returning to Asheboro, she began working as a secretary with Stedman Corporation. However, when David Stedman decided to sell the business and focus on writing the book, “Our Ageless Constitution”, he asked if Hilda would consider working with him and his staff in completing the book. She was so proud and viewed this request as an honor. She viewed working with David Stedman, Don Vaughn and LaVaughn Lewis as the highlight of her career.

Lastly, and as an acknowledgement of her caring nature, she loved her pets. They were an integral part of her life. All the animals that she provided a home for were typically strays that were lucky enough to wander into her home. She loved and cared for them all!

Hilda was preceded in death by her parents, George and Myrtle Ledwell and her husband of 47 years, Darold Ray Auman. She leaves behind her daughter, Kathryn Auman Barrett (Don) of Asheboro, NC, and son, Gregory Ray Auman of Greensboro, NC. As a Granny, she also leaves behind the joys of her life, her grandchildren: Lauren Barrett Lelewski (Andy) of Tampa, FL, Benjamin Ryan Barrett (Rachel) of St. Petersburg, FL, Finn Gentry Barrett (Isiah) of Battle Creek MI, Nathan Ray Auman (Ronda) of North Wilkesboro, NC and Emily Alene Auman (Bruce) of Laughlin, NV. Her legacy will continue in the memories she made with her great-grandchildren: Jack Barrett Lelewski, Claire Mae Lelewski, William Martin Barrett, Georgia McMillan Barrett, Kaylee Ray Auman and Levy Cole Auman.

The family will receive friends on Friday, August 22, 2025 from 10:00-10:50 am at Pugh Funeral Home, 437 Sunset Avenue in Asheboro. A Memorial Service will follow on Friday at 11:00 am at the Glenn "Mac" Pugh Chapel with Rev. Lynda Ferguson officiating. A private family interment will be at Oaklawn Cemetery in Asheboro. 

The family requests that memorials be sent to either of the following:

• First United Methodist Church 
• 224 N. Fayetteville St. Asheboro, NC 27203 
• Website: https://fumcasheboro.org
• 
  
• SPCA of Randolph County 

1. 300 W. Baily St. Asheboro, NC 27203 
2. Website: https://www.randolphspca.com