Catherine Elizabeth Ashley 1915-2010

ASHLEY HOWE RATHSACH

Posted By: Connie J Swearingen (email)
Date: 3/7/2011 at 20:58:50

Mapleton Press
23 December 2010

Catherine Elizabeth Ashley, 95

Catherine Elizabeth Ashley, 95, of Blair, Nebraska died December 10, 2010 in Blair surrounded by her friends and family. At her request, Catherine will have no formal funeral but rather a private grave side service for the family in 2011. Armstrong Funeral Home of Anthon, Iowa has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Catherine Elizabeth (Rathsach) Ashley was born August 20, 1915 in rural Woodbury County near Bronson, Iowa to Henry and Margareta (Howe) Rathsach.

She was raised in the Hinton and Moville, Iowa area and graduated from Moville Public School. She spent much of her life as a mother and homemaker in the Anthon area. She eventually moved to Sioux City and worked at St. Luke’s Medical Center. She was employed at St. Luke’s until her retirement in 1983. It was there she was given the nickname of “Lady A” by her coworkers & friends.

After retiring she moved to Colorado and resided with Barry, Pam and their daughters in the Evergreen & Conifer area. In 1999 she moved back with them to Blair, Nebraska. For the last 3 years of her life she lived in assisted living unit at Crowell Memorial Home in Blair. She continued to enjoy her life there and made many close friends amongst the residents and staff.

She is survived by 4 children. Barry & wife Pam of Blair, Laura of Seattle, Mike & wife Judy of Sergeant Bluff, Margaret of Seattle and daughter-in-law Nancy Seuntjens of Danbury. Ten grandchildren: Hannah, Sierra, Jarod, Naomi, Jason, Adam, Morgan & Aaron Ashley, Eric & Justin Brodersen. She also has 12 great-grandchildren.

Catherine is preceded in death by her parents, Henry & Greta Rathsach, daughter Eleanor (Ellie) son Marion (Chick) and granddaughter Angela Ashley.

Memorials in Catherine’s honor may be made to the Crowell Memorial Home, 245 S 22nd St, Blair, NE 68008.