Leona M. (Stowell) Ashton, 98, of S. Dartmouth, passed away on Wednesday, June 15, 2016 at Hathaway Manor. She was the wife of the late John O. Ashton. They were married on September 30, 1935 and shared 69 years together.
Leona was born in New Bedford, daughter of the late Daniel H. and Elsie (Borden) Stowell and had been a longtime resident of Dartmouth. Prior to her retirement, she worked as the caretaker for the Sarah Delano Estate. She was one of the founding 25 signers for St. Peter's Church, one of the first Episcopal churches in Dartmouth and served on many committees for the church over the years. Her and John were presidents of the Dartmouth High School Music Association from 1962-64. Leona was a member of the Smith Mills & Dartmouth Granges, Pomona, State and National Grange for 80 years. She served in many different offices including Master for 25 years.
Survivors include her 2 grandchildren: John E. Ashton and his wife Amber of Dartmouth and Nina M. Despres and her husband David of Dartmouth; 3 great grandchildren: Aidan P., Dane E. and Ava M. Ashton; 4 nieces: Patricia Stringer, Marsha Murphy, Gail and Sharon Stowell; and 1 nephew: Robert Stowell.
She was the mother of the late Sheldon E. Ashton and sister of the late Howard, Ellsworth and George Stowell and Eleanor Pinaud.
Memorial service to which relatives and friends are invited will be Saturday, July 23, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Peter's Church, Dartmouth.
Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Sheldon E. Ashton Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o District No. 2 Fire Dept., 1100 Russells Mills Rd., Dartmouth, MA 02748 or to St. Peter's Church, 351 Elm St., Dartmouth, MA 02748.