Maria was born on April 30, 1924 in Madrid, Spain. With her positive attitude and fighting spirit she lived through the Spanish Civil War, World War II and the Algerian War.
She met her husband, Avery Ashley, in Madrid and they married on September 7, 1952. They began their life together in Morocco. She later immigrated with her husband and two children to the United States in 1956 and first settled in Billings, Montana. Maria knew no English, but learn it she did; however, she still retained her beautiful Castilian accent.
She was a spunky and fun loving woman. Even into her late 80’s she worked out at the gym almost daily. She would go dancing several times a week and loved doing yoga.
She was an expert seamstress, making almost all her clothes and her families clothes. If she saw an outfit in a store window that she liked, she would go home and make it using no patterns. She also sewed for other people. She was a true artist.
She loved riding her 4-wheeler. One could even hear her singing as she would continue to circle her property while riding.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Avery Ashley, her parents and 8 siblings.
She is survived by her six children, Jose (Marga), John (Becky), Rick (Jan), Bob (Kelly), Don and Donna (Tim Hyde), also her 11 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. She would refer to all of them as her “glorious” children.
She was a wonderful wife, mother and friend who was literally loved by anyone who ever met her.
A Celebration of her Life will be held on Wednesday, January 9, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. at the Chapel of the Valle Funeral Home at 2065 Upper River Road, Grants Pass, Oregon.
In lieu of flowers, you may send donations to the Asante Hospice.
The family would especially like to thank Asante Hospice for their kind, compassionate, loving care of their beautiful mother during this difficult time, especially her caregivers.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.5