Marcy Marie Ashby

Marcy was born on December 26, 1961, in Springfield, the daughter of Walter P. and Patricia (Yuscius) Bietsch. She married Daniel Ashby on September 14, 1996.

Marcy attended Southeast High School, University of Illinois-Springfield, and Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. She obtained two graduate degrees: one in Rehabilitation Administration Services and the other in Rehabilitation Counseling. She was a member of a honors society, Rho Chi Sigma – Nu Chapter, where she was top of the class.

In 1985, Marcy became Miss Wheelchair Illinois. She went to compete at the national level where she was runner up.

Following her education, she held various positions in nursing homes and Centers for Independent Living. In Springfield, she worked for Illinois Department of Public Health and Southern Illinois School of Medicine as a Program Director for Central Illinois Care Connect, where she led the Ryan White Program for 27 years. Marcy was a disability advocate and believed that working as a productive person in society was an important way to empower people with disabilities.

Above all, Marcy cared for people. It gave her joy to care for the wellbeing of the elderly and socialize with them. No matter how difficult her own situation was, she was always concerned about the welfare of others. Marcy loved her fur babies and fell in love with Jack Russell Terriers. The fur babies were her children and they loved her very much.

She is survived by her husband, Daniel of Springfield; fur babies, Joey and Juliet; and many cousins and friends.

Marcy was preceded in death by her parents; all aunts and uncles; sister, Kathleen Fleckenstein of Decatur; and fur babies, Kroger and Patch.

Visitation and Funeral Ceremony: Family will receive friends from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. on Friday, January 17, 2025, at Butler Funeral Home – Springfield, 900 S. Sixth St., Springfield, followed by the Ceremony at 10:30 a.m. with Dee Stern officiating. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Marcy may be made to Animal Protective League.