Linda Ashmore died after a brief illness in Evansville, Indiana.
She was born Linda Smith in Clinton, Kentucky and was preceded in death by her husband, Byron; son David Ashmore; grandson Jason Koenig; and brothers Robert, Clyde, and Joe Smith. She is survived by her sons Wayne (Sharon) Ashmore, Randal (Debbie) Ashmore, daughter Carole (Tom) Davidson, and daughter in law Mary Ashmore. Linda and Byron were married for 64 years. She has eight grandchildren: Allyson Hale (Tripp), Lindsey Aune (Ben), Craig Ashmore (Angela), Krista Hendrix (Eli), James Earles (Oscar), Jon Koenig, Jake Scott (Maria Wells), Linda Kae McCarley (Wesley), Andy Davidson (Katie), Draper Ashmore, Emily Ashmore; and seven great-grandchildren. She and Byron lived in many places in Kentucky and Indiana, but made Washington their home since 1964.
As a devoted homemaker she raised and nourished their four children and took care of her husband. She was a Girl Scout leader and a volunteer at the Daviess Community Hospital for a number of years. She was an endurance shopper which means she endured much longer than anyone with her. She would have to look at every item in the store and with her short height was invisible to anyone trying to find her. Linda was an active member of Delta Theta Tau Sorority and tried to never miss a meeting. Even though she was dependent on others to get around, she felt she had to buy gifts and bring food as much as any other member. The family thanks Joanna Jones for bringing her to the meetings.
Westminster Presbyterian Church was the foundation of her life. She has been a member of the church since 1964. The Presbyterian Women loved her and she loved them. They would always make sure she was included in their events and she would not miss them. Again she felt she should do as much as the younger and healthier members.
The family thanks Peggy Ray for her weekly visits to help with the house but more importantly visit with Mom.
We appreciate Pastor Cheryl Thorne for ministering to Linda and for her assistance with many of her activities and appointments.
Ellen McKitrick has always been there when Mom needed transportation to church, doctor’s appointments or just general help. We are forever indebted to you, Ellen.
There are so many others who have helped and supported her and enabled her to live at home and we thank you.
Mom was fiercely independent and never used her infirmities as an excuse. She was able to live at home until she went into the hospital last week. She cooked for herself and would often not take the easy shortcuts of packaged foods. She was very thrifty and knew where every penny went. She was always pleasant. She was one of a kind and we all will greatly miss her.
The celebration of her life will be at Gill Funeral Home at 1:30 Sunday, May 21. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 on Saturday, May 20.
