Mary Ellen (Shields) Ashby

Mary Ellen Ashby, age 92, of Centralia, Illinois, peacefully passed away on Sunday, April 16, 2017, at her home in Centralia, Illinois with her family by her side.  She was born on December 16, 1924 in Havensville, Kansas, the daughter of the late William and Helena Emma (Gunther) Shields.  She married James David Ashby and they later divorced.

Mrs. Ashby is survived by her loving children, Mary K. Ashby-Clark of Centralia, Illinois, Elizabeth Ann Ashby of Orange, Virginia, James David Ashby, Jr. and wife Debbie of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, William Ashby and wife Toni of Wildwood, Missouri, John Ashby and special friend Julieta Stabers of Corpus Christi, Texas, Tom Ashby of Centralia, Illinois, Charles Ashby and special friend Nessie of Kansas City, Missouri, Patricia Hunter and husband Paul of Breese, Illinois, Patrick Ashby and wife Sheila of Centralia, Illinois, Theresa Malekovic and husband Reed of Centralia, Illinois, Loretta Stevens and husband Kent of Mt. Vernon, Illinois and Mark Ashby of St. Louis, Missouri, 28 grandchildren, 37 great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and brother, Everett Shields of Pine Bluff, Wyoming, who followed her in death, both passing on Easter night.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Ashby was preceded in death by her daughter, Carolyn Francis Ashby, two brothers, Jerome Shields and William Shields and one sister, Roseanna Flach.    

Mrs. Ashby was a loyal and dedicated member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Centralia, Illinois, where she served on the Altar Sodality.  She was a chairman for the funeral dinners and was an instructor for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).  She was a member of Catholic Daughters of Americas.  Always of strong faith in the church, her faith flourished while participating in Father Karban’s scripture classes for many years. She enjoyed following the activities of the students at St. Mary Catholic School, as 10 of her own children graduated from the school.  Mrs. Ashby was a long-time member of the Church Women United, Marion County Home Extension and Retirees of the Warren G. Murray Center.  She volunteered as a Polling Judge in Marion County and at BCMW Food Pantry in Centralia for many years.  She cherished the time she spent with her family and friends, as she was considered a gracious hostess who would inquire 20 times in a single visit, “What can I fix you to eat?”  She was known to be a good cook, especially for her angel food cake and fried chicken on Sunday.

Mrs. Ashby retired in 1995 from the dietary department at Warren G. Murray Center in Centralia, Illinois after many years of service.  She was previously employed with the Centralia Stationery in Centralia, Illinois for 11 years.  She graduated from Havensville High School with a Certificate of Teaching.  She has lived in Centralia, Illinois since 1961.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Friday, April 21, 2017, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Centralia, Illinois with Fr. Dale Maxfield and Fr. Roger Karban officiating.  Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery in Centralia, Illinois.  Friends may call from 4:00 to 8:00 P.M. on Thursday, April 20, 2017, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Centralia, Illinois and from 9:00 A.M. until the time of Mass at 10:00 A.M. on Friday, April 21, 2017, at the St. Mary Catholic Church in Centralia, Illinois.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Ashby’s memory to St. Mary Catholic School and will be received at the Moran Queen-Boggs Funeral Home in Centralia, Illinois.  Please view the online obituary, send condolences or share memories with Mrs. Ashby’s family at www.moranfuneralhome.net or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.

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