Elizabeth Ashmore Folsom

Elizabeth Sadie Ashmore Folsom died peacefully in her sleep on Friday, May 8, 2015. Born on July 1, 1918 in Greenville Texas to the late Abraham and Sadie Ashmore. she was the 6th of 8 children. As the last surviving member of her immediate family, Elizabeth was preceded in death by her brothers John, Rodney, George and Joe and sisters Martha, Minnie and Annie.

Elizabeth married Lanny Folsom in January 1943, at which time they boarded a train for California, where he was stationed in the Army. They traveled from coast to coast and state to state, finally settling in Dallas in the late 1940s, glad to be back with her extended family. As founding members of St. Pius X Catholic Church, Elizabeth devoted countless hours volunteering in the school and the church. She was also a devoted fan of the SMU Mustangs. Along with her husband Lanny, they followed the football and basketball teams as they competed over the decades. After a lengthy illness, her Lanny passed away in 1982.

A woman of strong faith, quiet will and tenacity, she loved to help others. Ever ready to help, Elizabeth would give the shirt off her back if that was what was needed. Loved and respected by family and friends, she would light up the room with her beauty and sharp wit. She loved to laugh, give hugs and spread cheer wherever she went. She wasn't afraid to speak her mind. As the smallest in the family, she learned to run fast and would explain "dynamite comes in small packages!" Loved by everyone, especially her nieces and nephews, she was nicknamed "Bubut", a term of endearment they still call her today.

Elizabeth is survived by son Robert Folsom and wife Brenda; daughter Bunny Ridenour and husband Robert; granddaughters Rhonda Folsom, Robin Spurlock, Tracy Hall, Melissa Bailey, Caree McKethan, Aimee Richards; nine-great grandchildren and six great-great grandchildren, sister-in-law Helen Ashmore and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express its heartfelt gratitude to Elizabeth's devoted caregivers, Linda and Gloria. For almost five years, they have loved her, encouraged her, laughed and cried with her, and cared for her with grace and compassion, allowing Elizabeth to live and die with dignity. The family will be forever grateful.

The celebration of Elizabeth's life will be Monday, May 11th, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Sparkman Crane Funeral Home on Garland Road in Dallas. Mass of Christian Burial and internment will be Tuesday, May 12th at 10:00am at the North Chapel at Calvary Hill Cemetery on Lombardy Lane.