Mary E. Ashby's Obituary
Mary E. Ashby, age 70, of Centerville, Iowa, died Sunday, January 13, 2008 at Mercy Medical Center in Centerville. She was born on February 3, 1937 in Mystic, Iowa and was raised by her grandparents, Herbert and Isabella Stolz. She graduated from the Mystic Community Schools in 1955.On March 2, 1955, Mary was united in marriage to Clarence Ashby in Unionville, Missouri. She worked for a time at the Centerville National Bank as a Janitor and also worked at the Mystic Theater for a time. Later, she and Clarence were involved in running Bingo at Elks Club, American Legion Hall, and the Armory or at the Pancake Day Bingo Tent. The enjoyed helping raise money for different projects, like the Soldiers in Desert Storm or maybe for the Centerville Pool, they wanted to do their part. She was active in the local CB Club, where her handle was 'Toots'. One of her life's passions was collecting dolls, which she cherished and cared for.She is preceded in death by: her mother, who died when Mary was 3 days old; her grandparents, Herbert and Isabella Stolz.Mary is survived by: her husband of 52 years, Clarence Ashby of Centerville, Iowa; sons, Herbert and his wife, Teresa Ashby of Eldon, Iowa and Russell and his wife, Laura Ashby of Albia, Iowa; daughters, Eloise Messamaker and Lisa and her husband, Paul Baker all of Centerville, Iowa; grandchildren, Joshua and Amber Ashby, Tony and Matt Messamaker, Jocelyn Casteel, Travis Ashby, Michelea, Amanda, Chelsey and Jessica Baker; step-grandchildren, Tony, Shayne, Stacy and Heather Hughes; great grandchildren, Joshua Ashby, Jr., Quinton, Keaton and Kaelyn Casteel, Ethan, Ryan and Issac Messamaker and Emily Mikles; step-great grandchild, Lathan Hughes.Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 16, 2008 at 1 pm at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Centerville, Iowa, with Rev. Brian Hargrave officiating. Burial will follow at the Haines Cemetery north of Centerville. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 15, 2008 from 1 pm till 8 pm at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Centerville with the family present from 6 till 8 pm.Memorials can be made to the Hospice of Central Iowa and can be left at the funeral home. The To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Mary E. Ashby please visit our Sympathy Store.
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