Audrey Eileen Dill, born April 8, 1946, was a 32-year-old mother residing in Mediapolis, Iowa, when she disappeared under suspicious circumstances in August 1978. She was last seen on August 16 at her home, wearing blue jeans and a blouse. Her disappearance was reported two days later, on August 18, to the Des Moines County Sheriff's Office in Burlington. Authorities classified her case as an "involuntary disappearance," indicating that foul play was suspected from the outset.
At the time of her disappearance, Audrey had recently finalized a divorce from her husband, Robert "Bob" Dill, just three weeks prior. Family members later revealed that Audrey had endured a history of domestic abuse during the marriage. Her sister, Cheryl, recounted instances where Audrey had been choked until unconscious and had sought refuge with family out of fear for her safety. Despite these concerns, Audrey often returned to her husband, who was described as controlling and jealous. After her disappearance, family members found unsettling signs at her home: wet clothes in the washing machine, a cake left on top of the refrigerator, her car parked outside, but her purse and keys missing. These details suggested that she had not planned to leave voluntarily.
In the months following her disappearance, Audrey's mother, Marion Edith Watson, filed a petition in the Iowa District Court for Henry County to be named conservator over her daughter's property. The hope was that if Audrey were alive, the legal notice might prompt her to come forward. However, Audrey did not appear in court, and she was later presumed deceased. The United States Social Security Death Index lists her date of death as August 15, 1978. Despite the passage of time, no significant leads have emerged in the investigation. Dental records and DNA samples have been collected and are available in case her remains are ever found.
Audrey left behind a young daughter, Mindy, and a grieving family who have continued to seek answers. Her sister Cheryl has expressed a deep desire to find closure, hoping that Audrey's remains might one day be discovered so she can be laid to rest with her family. The case remains open, and authorities continue to urge anyone with information to come forward. Detective Eric Blodgett at the Des Moines County Sheriff's Office can be contacted at 319-753-8212, and tips can also be submitted to the Iowa Missing Person Information Clearinghouse at 1-800-346-5507. Last Seen: Aug 16, 1978
