Frances M. Ashman of 1413 Avalon Court, Winona Lake, Indiana, lived her earthly life in a godly way and peacefully departed to be with the Lord whom she adored with all her heart on Tuesday, February 21, 2012, at 12:25 p.m. at Grace Village Healthcare, Winona Lake, Indiana at the age of 87.
She was born on March 21, 1924, in Long Beach, California, to Wilbur Leonard Bradley and Isabel (Chenot) Bradley. She was the middle daughter of “The Five Bradley Sisters.” They were known throughout the Grace Brethren churches of southern California for their unique and humorous singing ministry at summer camps and youth and children’s meetings.
Frances was a graduate of Poly High School and the Bible Institute of Los Angeles. She was always active in working with children in the churches in which she attended.
She met Charles H. Ashman, her husband to be, at youth rallies and summer church camp. They were married on July 12, 1946, in Compton, California. She worked hard outside the home to earn her special degree in PHT (Putting Hubby Through) as she helped him complete his college and seminary education. She was a wonderful pastor’s wife, and happily served in the work of the Lord through ministry to women and children in fulfilling her calling to be a central figure in the toddlers and nursery departments of all the churches that Charles pastored. Many knew her as an immaculate housekeeper, a great cook, and a most gracious hostess. Frances was a resident of Kosciusko County, Indiana, for the past 50 years, where she was a member of Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church.
She leaves behind, and will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Charles H. Ashman (Winona Lake, Indiana); two sons: Ken W. (wife Becky) Ashman (Gallatin, Tennessee); Karl W. (wife Patti) Ashman (Wildwood, Missouri); one daughter: Judy Kay (husband Rick) Fairman (Lititz, Pennsylvania); six grandchildren, nine great grandchildren; and two sisters: Helen Brown (Beattyville, Kentucky); Ruth Mosley (Orangevale, California). She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters.
Her funeral service will be conducted on Saturday, February 25, 2012, at 1 p.m. at Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church, 1200 Kings Highway, Winona Lake, Indiana, officiated by Pastor Bruce Barlow.
There will be private visitation and graveside services. Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery of Warsaw, Indiana.
Arrangements were entrusted to Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw, Indiana.
Memorial donations may be directed to Integrated Community Development International, PO Box 247, Winona Lake, Indiana 46590.