Elizabeth (Betty) R. Ashbrook
Elizabeth Ashbrook 84, Shawnee, Kansas passed away March 8, 2010.
She was born November 24, 1925 in rural Fort Scott, Kansas. She was the daughter of Herman and Lottie Toepfer. Elizabeth attended grade school in rural Fort Scott at the Pleasant Valley School. She graduated from Fort Scott High School and Fort Scott Junior College then attended the Pittsburg State Teachers College, now Pittsburg State University. Directly after graduating, Elizabeth taught three years at the Pleasant Valley grade school, a one-room schoolhouse with all eight grades. Later before getting married, she taught three years as a second grade teacher at Caney, Kansas. Then she was a substitute teacher for several years.
Elizabeth married Orville Ashbrook on June 5, 1949. Elizabeth and Orville lived in Caney, Kansas with their daughter until 1964 when they moved to Shawnee, Kansas. Elizabeth worked for the Pyramid Life Insurance Company for twenty-two years in Mission, Kansas. She and her husband both decided to retire in the year 1988. She enjoyed the friends that she made at work and in the community and continued to have get-togethers even years later.
Elizabeth loved to travel, cook and do new things, but being with family was where she was happy. In her earlier years, she enjoyed being a Brownie and Girl Scout leader and Bible School teacher. All through the years she enjoyed being a volunteer for charity work by helping at church events or even sending out mailings. She was a member of the Caney United Methodist Church and later a member of the Shawnee United Methodist Church.
Elizabeth was preceded in death by her infant son, James Scott Ashbrook, her parents, a sister, Mildred Defebaugh, and brother, Kenneth Toepfer. Survivors include her husband Orville; a daughter, Denise Dickson and spouse Jaye; a granddaughter, Michelle Blaske and her spouse Keith; a grandson Jason Dickson; two great-grandchildren, Serena and Harley Blaske; one brother Earnest Toepfer and his spouse Freda; sister in law Wilma Toepfer; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
In lieu of flowers please donate to the Stafford County Hospital, 502 S. Buckeye, Stafford, Kansas 67578, Reno County Hospice, 1600 N. Lorraine, Suite 203, Hutchinson, Kansas 67501, or a charity of your choice.
Vistation and Graveside Services
The visiting hours will be 6 to 8 pm. Thursday, March 11, 2010, at the Amos Family Chapel of Shawnee. Graveside services will be 1 p.m. Friday, March 12, 2010, at the Sunnyside Cemetery in Caney, KS.
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We were so sorry to hear of Jason’s grandma’s passing.
Grandma sounded like such a neat person and we know how special she was to all of you. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. With our loe and sympathy, Don & Sigrid Rynerson
My deepest and heart felt prayer are sent to you on the wings of a dove. It is with great pleasure that I relived the moments in time when we were neighbors. My mother was always visiting with Betty. I was always playing with my little friend Denise. She was born when I was just 5 and I considered one of my dollies. After all I cared for 27 dollies at home and had them all lined up in their beds. I was ready for this beautiful live dolly. So Betty let me play with her as often as I could. Betty was generous and enjoyed how much I loved this precious daughter of hers. Those were fond memories. Betty was a remarkable woman. She stayed in touch with my mother for over 50 years by correspondence, (The old fashion snail mail.) When I cared for my mother the last year of her life I was reconnected with Betty through Mom (Garnett Woods Thomas). Betty was there to offer her consolances when I lost my mom. She was struggling with her own sickenes, but didn’t even
share that with me until this Christmas. She made it sound like she was progressing fine. I delayed my visit and will forever regret that. What an easy person to love and trust with your heart. Denise, I hope to visit with you at the visitation. I will not be able to go to Caney for the burial. My grandparents and all my aunts and uncles are there, even my ex-husband’s father has a memorial there. I visit every Memorial day. Please let me know where she shall be so I can visit. My love to you and Michelle and your family.
Janeva (Woods) Bledsoe
Dick, we are sorry to hear about your Grandma. Katie and I want you to know that we are thinking of all of you. With our sympathy, Justin and Katie.
May your memories give you strength in this time of sadness. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Deepest Sympathy, Emerson & Jan Shields
I am sending my deepest sympathy to each family member and to the many friends, close and far away.
I was taken back to all the years our families had interactions at
church and as friends. I can see the smiling faces of Orville and
Betty whenever I was lucky enough to be where they were. All the Ashbrooks had their memorable smiles,however Betty shared in that made hers extra special.
I send love,caring thoughtsand prayers from my heart,
May God Bless, Dava Jo
I was so sorry to hear of Betty passing away. She was my 2nd grade teacher in Caney. I always enjoyed visiting with her when she would come to the CHS reunions. My prayers are with you, Orville and the rest of your family. Wish I could have been in Caney for the service.
Bob Simpson