Joan Ashley's Obituary
Decatur-Joan Ashley, 79, of Decatur passed away Friday, June 22, 2012 surrounded by her family.
Mass of Christian Burial to Celebrate Joan’s life will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 27, 2012 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 3950 Lourdes Dr., with Father Rick Weltin, Celebrant. Visitation will be one hour prior to the Mass with a Rosary at 9:45. Interment with “Flight Home” Ceremony will be at the Resurrection Gardens in Graceland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church.
Joan was born on June 20, 1933 in Effingham, IL the daughter of Alf and Edith (Schmidt) Gardewine. She was an active member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church for many years. She married Ray E. Ashley in 1954. He preceded her in death on August 12, 2011. Joan was a gracious and loving woman who always put the needs of others ahead of her own. She was devoted to God, her husband and her children. She raised her children to be caring and compassionate to all. She had many interests including art, bird watching, needle work, and reading. She encouraged her children to explore a wide variety of interests.
Joan leaves behind her son, Greg Ashley and wife Rachel of Leesburg, Virginia; daughters, Pam Ashley and husband Gene Hess of Dutton, Alabama; and Nancy and husband Dr. Joe Sutton of Sidney, Illinois; brother, Paul Gardewine and wife Marie of St. Louis, Missouri; sisters, Pat Gardewine and Cornelia Gardewine both of Effingham, Illinois; grandchildren, Elizabeth, David, Nicholas, Matthew, and Sarah, and beloved dog, Laddy.
Joan was reunited in Heaven with her husband of 57 years, parents, one brother and two sisters.
The family of Joan Ashley is being served by the Moran & Goebel Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2801 N. Monroe St. Decatur, IL. 62526. View the online obituary, send condolences, and share memories at: www.moranandgoebel.com.
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