Chase Pryor Ausen

Chase Pryor Ausen passed away on July 28, 2024, after a long battle with addiction. Though his death was unexpected, Chase’s struggle with addiction made those who love him fear that it would eventually take his life. Chase was so much more than his addiction. He was a loving son and brother, caring friend, devoted boyfriend, lover of a good joke, of beaches and being pummeled by the waves. Chase was kind beyond measure, sensitive, and deeply caring of those around him. Chase was funny and could light up a room reminiscing about silly memories, recounting his favorite lines from comedy movies, and telling jokes.

Chase was born on Sept. 16, 1994, in Billings, where he was raised and remained as an adult. He grew up rambling around the Rimrocks, exploring in the Pryor Mountains, and spending time at the family cabin in the Beartooths. From a young age, Chase loved all things with a motor and was an adventure seeker. As a toddler, he could be found in closets, admiring the vacuum cleaner or trailing behind his parents while they mowed the lawn with his Fisher Price lawnmower. So it was no surprise that he grew up to love motocross and skateboarding and from a young age could be found taking laps around the motocross track made at the cabin or dropping in on the halfpipe his dad made in the driveway. Chase enjoyed working with his hands and as an adult found a career in construction, framing homes in the Billings area.

Chase loved all his family and friends, but more than anyone, he loved his partner Gabbie and was so excited to welcome their first son into the world in just a few short weeks. Chase loved to spend a hot afternoon at the lake with Gabbie and her family, holding her hand during walks on the Rims, and snuggling up with her to watch a movie. Chase enjoyed a good country song and dancing with Gabbie to their song: “Tennessee Whiskey.”

Chase is survived by his parents, Dian Chadwick (Chad Chadwick) and Sam Ausen (Lori Hodges); his sister, Sydney Ausen (Alisha Butler); his nephew, Everett Butler; his partner, Gabrielle Maiden Burton; her parents Laurenda Bell (Shaun Bell) and Craig Burton; his grandma, Phyllis Ibarra; Gabbie’s grandparents, Gale and Jackie Maiden, Maria and Bee Burton, and Cheryl Bell; and numerous loving aunts and uncles, cousins, extended family and friends.

A memorial service for Chase will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 3, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary, 1001 Alderson Ave., in Billings. Reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers or sympathy gifts, the family asks you to consider making a contribution to support Chase’s expectant partner Gabbie and their soon-to-arrive baby boy, Cayson, that he leaves behind. Donations can be made through Venmo to Gabbie @Gabrielle-Maiden-Burton (last four digits of phone number 0260) or checks made out to Gabrielle Maiden Burton.