Kay N. Ashelford

Kay Norma (Sorensen) Ashelford was born February 15, 1951, in Norfolk, Nebraska to Norman Sorensen and Ruth (Hackett) Sorensen. She joined her older brother Lorrie and was followed by the youngest, JoAnn, not long afterward, which completed their family. She graduated from Norfolk High School in 1969 and went on to graduate from Chadron State College in 1973. She began her more than 2 decade career at Metromail shortly after. During her early years at Metromail she met her future husband, Lyle Ashelford II, while he was also working there. Their paths crossed again while they were both taking classes as UNL, and they were married September 11, 1976. Lyle and Kay had two children, Elsa Lea and Mark Kyle. After Kay finished her career at Metromail she started her 2nd career, volunteering. She enjoyed helping at Bryan Memorial Hospital, volunteering there regularly until her health no longer allowed.

Along with her family, she had another major love in her life, the many cats that joined their home, among them Skitter, Rufus, Jessie, Snow, Boo, and many others. The only time she never had a cat was after she moved to Fallbrook Assisted Living, where she spent the last 7 years of her life, reading, spending time on her computer and doing puzzles. She passed peacefully in her sleep.

She is predeceased by her parents, Norman and Ruth, brother Lorrie, and numerous felines. She is survived by her husband, Lyle Ashelford II, children Elsa and Mark Ashelford, all of Lincoln, sister JoAnn (Dann) Miller, of Arizona, and several nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Fallbrook Assisted Living for the wonderful care they provided for Kay.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Capital Humane Society.

A funeral service will be held at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, located at 6800 S. 14th St., Lincoln, NE 68512. The service is scheduled for February 16, 2026, starting at 2:00 pm.