Wilma Kathryn Ashley

Mrs. Wilma Kathryn Helms Ashley of Monroe, North Carolina, age 86, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, July 4, 2016. Kathryn was born on August 29, 1929, in Union County, North Carolina, to the late Elijah and Leona Helms. Her life was one of love, devotion, and faith in God.

A service to celebrate Kathryn’s life and home going will be held on Friday, July 8th at Oak Grove Baptist Church, 4013 New Town Road, Waxhaw, North Carolina. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until 2:45 p.m. with the funeral following at 3:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Lakeland Memorial Park in Monroe.

Those left to cherish Kathryn’s memory are three children: a son, Richard Ashley (Marilyn) of Rockingham, NC, a daughter, Kathy A. Davis (Ed) of Matthews, NC, and a son, Kevin Ashley of Monroe, NC. Grandchildren are Rick Ashley of Orchard Park, FL, Greg Ashley of Rockingham, NC, Ashley D. Shealy (Ben) of Murfreesboro, TN, Justin Ashley (Samantha) of Waxhaw, NC, Crystal A. VanDee (Jacob) of Leroy, AL, and Jake Davis of Matthews, NC. Great-grandchildren are Cole Ashley & Savannah Ashley of Waxhaw, NC and Bethel Grace VanDee of Leroy, AL.

Kathryn is also survived by a dear brother, Donald Helms, and a sister-in-law, Helen of Monroe, NC, a sister-in-law, Mary R. Helms of Monroe, NC, a sister-in-law, Alta A. Tysinger of Waxhaw, NC, and a brother-in-law, Kenneth Ashley & wife, Catherine of Gastonia, NC. Kathryn also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, and friends who she loved and cherished very much.

Kathryn was preceded in death by her loving & devoted husband of 58 years, Winslow “Peanut” M. Ashley, Jr., and an infant son, Stephen Keith Ashley. She was also preceded in death by brothers Robert Helms, Dwight Helms, & Dillon Helms, and a sister, Clara H. Williams.

Kathryn graduated from Mineral Springs High School in 1947. For years, she and her husband, Peanut, operated Peanut’s Factory Shoe Outlet on Waxhaw Highway in Monroe, NC. She was a lifelong, devoted member of Oak Grove Baptist Church. Much of her time, love, and energy went into her church, which she saw as one her most treasured investments. During her years as a member, she served her Lord faithfully in the Children’s Department, teaching Sunday school and working in the church nursery. She was also an active member of WMU, sang in the adult church choir, taught in Vacation Bible School, and was a faithful member of the Ruth Sunday School Class. The family is grateful to the members of this class for their love, devotion, and support during Kathryn’s extended illness. The family would also like to thank Rev. Rich Myers for his visits and support during the time Kathryn was ill and could not attend church. Above all else, Kathryn was a loving, caring, and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She had a very quiet, gentle spirit and loved her family very deeply. She was a wonderful cook and enjoyed preparing meals not only for her family, but for those who needed a special touch. She had a special ministry of sending cards and many people, through the years, were blessed by receiving them in the mail. Kathryn was also a devoted caregiver to her mother, father, and husband during their times of illness. She truly demonstrated her deep faith in God by the way she lived her life and cared for those around her, especially her family. She will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege to know and love her.

In honor of Kathryn’s life, the family would appreciate memorials being made to Oak Grove Baptist Church, the Alzheimer’s Foundation, or Hospice of Union County. In gratitude, the family would like to thank special caregiver, Gypsy Helms, for her devotion and care during Kathryn’s last months. A special thanks also goes to Jennifer W. Little for her help & support during Kathryn’s time of illness. The family would also like to thank the members of Hospice of Union County who took care of Kathryn during her last days, especially Dr. Brent Hutson, and nurses, Melissa Fulton and Sharon Lamparter. The family will be forever grateful for the loving, compassionate, dignified care of Kathryn during her time of illness and need.

On line condolences may be offered by visiting www.mcewenmonroechapel.com.

McEwen Funeral and Cremation Service of Monroe is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Ashley.