Mrs. Louise Ashby

Louise Riggs Ashby was born January 26, 1930, in Louann, Arkansas. She passed away November 30, 2023, at the age of 93. She was the second child and only daughter born to Troy and Helen (Cramer) Riggs, with older brother Charles and younger brothers Shelton and Keith Riggs to follow. In 1935, she moved with her family from the Smackover Oilfield to the East Texas Oilfield, eventually settling in the Price community. Growing up on an oil lease, she learned very early to work hard, a value she would demonstrate her entire life. She was educated in the Carlisle Schools, graduating in 1947. Immediately following, she enrolled in Stephen F. Austin State College, earning her BS in Home Economics in 3 years. She began her career in Carthage in 1950, with the Texas A&M Agricultural Extension Service as a home demonstration agent. That same year, she married her high school sweetheart, James Wiley Ashby. The couple celebrated 59 years together, before his passing in 2009. She was the very proud mother of 3 children. After several years as a stay-at-home mom, and substitute teacher, she began a 25-year teaching career at Baker-Koonce Elementary School, retiring in 1995. For many years, she was an active member of the Phi Delta Kappa Teachers’ Sorority. She was an outstanding seamstress and loved to sew for her family and friends. In her later years, she enjoyed quilting and the local quilt club. She was an active member of Central Baptist Church for over 73 years. She headed or served on numerous committees including the kitchen, bereavement, and the baptismal committees. She also helped each year with Sunday school and Bible school. Along with her husband, she volunteered for mission building trips for 35 years, missing only two. She jokingly added that all her entries in the church cookbook fed 60 people. She was also a dedicated supporter of the high school band and was a charter member of the CHS Band Booster Club. She is best known for her service to others through sewing, providing meals, or transportation to doctors’ visits, and for being there to help a friend. Preceding her in death are her husband James, daughters Sharon Ashby Davis, and Karon Ashby O’Neal, along with her parents, and brothers Charles Riggs and Shelton Riggs. Survivors include her brother, Keith Riggs of Price, son Kevin Ashby and wife Betty Ann of Lake Jackson, grandson Kyle Ashby (Alex) of Beaumont, Texas, granddaughter Katy Ashby of College Station, grandson Brent Davis (Stephanie) of Tyler, granddaughter Shelley James (Matt) of San Antonio. Also surviving her are 6 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her Son-in-Law Bill O’Neal, and four very special granddaughters Lynn Martinez (Rudy) of Corpus Christi, Shelly O’Neal of Corsicana, Berri Gormley (Drew), of Colleyville, and Causbie Henderson (Dusty) of Van Alstyne and their 7 children. Serving as pallbearers are Kyle Ashby, Brent Davis, Matt James, Jeff Choate, Don Clinton, and Mike Bolwerk. Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday December 4, 2023, at Central Baptist Church, with interment to follow at Duncan Cemetery in Goodsprings, Rusk County, Texas under the direction of Hawthorn Funeral Home. Visitation will be 5-7:00 p.m. at Hawthorn Funeral Home. An online guestbook may be signed at www.hawthornfuneralhome.com

Tributes

Mrs. Louise Ashby

January 26, 1930 - November 30, 2023