Frances M. Ashman, 87, of 1413 Avalon Court, Winona Lake, lived her earthly life in such a godly way and peacefully departed to be with the Lord whom she adored with all her heart at 12:25 p.m. Feb. 21, 2012, in Grace Village Healthcare, Winona Lake. On July 12, 1946, in Compton, Calif., she married Charles H. Ashman, who survives.
She was born March 21, 1924, in Long Beach, Calif., to Wilbur Leonard and Isabel Chenot Bradley.
She was the middle daughter of “The Five Bradley Sisters.” They were known throughout the Grace Brethren churches of southern California for their unique and humorous singing ministry at summer camps and youth and children’s meetings. She graduated from Poly High School and the Bible Institute of Los Angeles. She was always active in working with children in the churches in which she attended. She met her husband to be at youth rallies and summer church camp. She worked hard outside the home to earn her special degree in PHT (Putting Hubby Through) as she helped him complete his college and seminary education. She was a wonderful pastor’s wife and happily served in the work of the Lord through ministry to women and children in fulfilling her calling to be a central figure in the toddlers and nursery departments of all the churches that Charles pastored. Many knew her as an immaculate housekeeper, a great cook and a most gracious hostess. She was a resident of Kosciusko County for the past 50 years, where she was a member Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church.
Surviving are two sons, Ken W. (and spouse Becky) Ashman, Gallatin, Tenn., and Karl W. (and spouse Patti) Ashman, Wildwood, Mo.; a daughter, Judy Kay (and spouse Rick) Fairman, Lititz, Pa.; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Helen Brown, Beattyville, Ky., and Ruth Mosley, Orangevale, Calif. She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters.
Services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church, 1200 Kings Highway, officiated by Pastor Bruce Barlow.
Calling and graveside services will be private. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw.
Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw, is in charge of arrangements.
***** Memorials may be directed to Integrated Community Development International, P.O. Box 247, Winona Lake, IN 46590.
Condolences may be sent via www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com
