Virginia Marie Ashby, 92, Silver Lake, passed away Thursday, May 11, 2023, at her home.

Virginia Ashby

The daughter of the late Edgar Arno and Hazel (York) Ellis, Virginia was born on July 4, 1930, in Bremen.

A few years after graduating high school, Virginia married Charles Foster Ashby on June 23, 1951. The two were wed for nearly 49 years before Charles passed away on April 7, 2000. During their time together, they were blessed with a loving family. In addition to being a homemaker, Virginia supported her family by providing in-home child care as well as working as a dispatcher for South Central EMS for many years. However, she was most proud of being a grandma to everyone who came around and sharing her religious spirit with those who knew her. Virginia was a member of Silver Lake Wesleyan Church, where she taught Sunday school and Bible study classes, and she encouraged many children to attend and learn about the teachings of Jesus.

Virginia was also known for her cooking and baking skills. Those who were fortunate enough to taste her homemade bread will always remember its delicious flavor. Virginia was also skilled with her knitting ability and was quick to correct people about the difference between knitting and crocheting.

The loving memory of Virginia Marie Ashby will be forever cherished by her sons, Steve Ashby, Fort Wayne, Danny (Betty) Ashby, Akron, Glen Ashby, Florida, Bobby Ashby, Warsaw, John Ashby, Bargersville, and Edgar (Carol) Ashby, California; daughters, Helen (Tony) Middleton, Silver Lake, Teri (Tony) Monce, Silver Lake, Janine (Troy) Hoskins, Warsaw, and Sandy (David) Smith, Elyria, Ohio; sister, Doris Zimmerman, North Carolina; 28 grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Virginia was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Charles Ashby; son, Ronald Lee Ashby; brothers, Dave Ellis, John Ellis, Lee Ellis, and Hal Ellis; sister, Julia Taylor; grandson, Andrew Ashby; one granddaughter, Glenna I. Waldenville; and great-grandson, Paul Roth III.

Family and friends may call from noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 16, at McKee Mortuary, 1401 SR 114W, North Manchester. Funeral services will begin at the conclusion of calling with Pastor Dave Cox officiating. Burial will be at Lakeview Cemetery, Myrtle Glen Drive, Silver Lake.

For those who wish to honor the memory of Virginia Ashby, memorial contributions may be made to Silver Lake Wesleyan Church, 106 Walnut St., Silver Lake, IN 46982.

The family of Virginia Marie Ashby has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.