Mary Ashley

It was clear by the way Mary Ashley lived her life that there were only two things that really mattered faith and family. With the love of her life by her side for many years, Mary tenderly nurtured the children who were her greatest source of pride and joy. Known for her generosity, she was always looking out for ways she could give back to the world around her. With faith as her compass, Marys life demonstrates what it really means to be the hands and feet of the God she served. A woman who could see the best in everyone, she brightened the lives of many just by being the woman she was each and every day. Mary leaves behind timeless wisdom laced with grace, humility, and compassion that will live on in the lives of those who follow her. As countless American servicemen were fighting overseas during WWI, those who remained stateside kept the home fires burning. The year 1918 saw the peak of the influenza epidemic at 202 deaths daily and as President Wilson offered his Fourteen Points to Congress, the nations clocks were set ahead one hour for the first time. Amidst this year of great hope in our nation there was great joy for one family from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, since they welcomed the birth of a healthy baby girl on April 8th. Mary Margaret was welcomed into the arms of her loving parents, Michael and Mary (Czap) Toth, and was the fourth of six children in her family including her siblings Ann, Michael, Julia, Helen, and John. Her father was a coal miner while her mother had more than enough to keep her busy at home. Mary was raised to embrace a strong faith in God and enjoyed spending a lot of time with her family. The 1920s were predominantly times of prosperity but by 1930, the Great Depression covered us like a wet blanket throughout the entire decade. The Toth children were expected to work hard and were responsible for their fair share of chores both on the farm and around the house. During Marys younger years she moved with her family to Muskegon, Michigan, where she remained throughout the rest of her life. She and her family often traveled to her cousins farm where they helped out by picking pickles, but they were able to have a little fun, too, by taking the bus out to the ovals to go swimming. Mary attended local schools and also worked some in order to earn extra money to help make ends meet. Mary graduated from Muskegon Heights High School in 1936. Not to be forgotten during this time was a certain young man who would come alongside Mary during the best years of her life. His name was Martin Ashley and they met one fateful evening while Mary was out with some friends. There was an attraction between Mary and Martin and after falling deeply in love, the couple was united in marriage in 1937 in Muskegon. Together they were blessed with five children: Herbert, Martin, Mary Lou, Susanne, and Jacquelin. Mary fully immersed herself into caring for her children, and being a mother seemed to be a role that was tailor made just for her. Nurturing children came naturally to her, and she was actively involved in the lives of her children including as a member of the PTA. The Ashley family loved spending time together and since Martin was a music enthusiast, this was an interest that the whole family enjoyed together. They often went to band concerts and civic opera performances as a group. Church life was another important component in Marys life as she was an active member of St. Albans Episcopal Church. Mary didn't start working full time until all of her children were in school all day. Mary got a job at Grossman's where she became a coat buyer until 1970. Later in life there were both peaks and valleys along Marys life journey. The year 1971 was filled with great sorrow for Mary as it was the year she lost the love of her life. She drew strength from both her faith and the love of her family during the days, weeks, and months following Martins death. That same year she went to work in the library at Muskegon Community College where she remained for many years. Nothing could have been sweeter for Mary than when she became a grandmother since there were more loved ones she could nurture. Her grandchildren loved spending the night on Saturdays when they would watch The Love Boat and Fantasy Island together. The holidays were always such special times when Mary was in all her glory with a houseful of loved ones to spoil. Her stuffed cabbage and angel food cake with dream whip frosting were second to none, and Marys house was the place to be on Memorial Day, too, as her children all came with their families to watch the parade and have a picnic. Great-grandchildren were certainly a true blessing in Marys life during her sunset years. It shouldnt come as a surprise that Mary also spread her warmth to those in need as a volunteer at Hackley Hospital something she always enjoyed. With an unforgettable smile that could brighten even the darkest of days, Mary Ashley brought such beauty to the world around her. She made it her lifes mission to care for others as she taught us that it is in loving others that we are truly blessed. Life was not without challenges for Mary, but she embraced whatever came her way while clinging to her unwavering faith. She will be deeply missed and warmly remembered. Mary Margaret Ashley died on Saturday, March 19, 2011. Marys family includes her children, Martin J. (Jeannie) Ashley of OH, Mary Lou Kelly of Montague, Susanne Ashley of Ganges, MI & Jacquelin Stapel-Bearer of Muskegon; 11 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Geraldine Ashley of Muskegon; brother-in-law, John (Jean) Ashley of Ludington, MI & a sister-in-law, Jane VanWyck of Muskegon; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Martin in 1971 and a son, Herbert in 1991. A service will be held on Wednesday, March 23, 2011, 3:00 p.m. at St. Alban's Episcopal Church with Rev. Everett H. Klein officiating. Visit with Marys family and friends on Tuesday, 4-7 p.m. at Clock Life Story Funeral Home. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or photo, sign the online guestbook, or make a memorial contribution to Harbor Hospice Poppen House or St. Alban's Episcopal Church.