Acushnet – Susan H. (Wilbur) Ashley, 80, of Acushnet died peacefully at home surrounded by her family on November 9, 2007. She was the widow of former Acushnet selectman Elton A. Ashley.
Mrs. Ashley was born in New Bedford, daughter of the late Earle T. and Ruth (Dudley) Wilbur, and grew up in Fairhaven. She attended Fairhaven High School where she was active in sports, music and was a cheerleader. She was a member of the Long Plain United Methodist Church. She was a professional singer and dancer throughout Southern New England visiting many service hospitals during World War II. She formed the first Acushnet Midget Football cheering squad, was chairman of the Miss Acushnet Centennial Pageant and took part in many fundraising drives as a long time member of the Plymouth Girl Scout Council serving as Neighborhood Chairman, District Chairman and Board Member.
Mrs. Ashley was a loving, caring mother who loved to spend time with her family and will be missed dearly by them all. She is survived by her children: Elton A. Ashley, Jr. and his wife Anne of Rochester, Ruth D. Ashley of New Bedford, Michael F. Ashley and his wife Diane of Acushnet, Marcia F. Lescorde of New Bedford, Frederick S. Ashley and his wife Susan of North Carolina and William C. Ashley of Acushnet; her faithful pet: Matilda; her good friend Pauline Rooney; 21 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and several nieces & nephews.
She was sister of the late Lyman D. Wilbur, Frederick S. Wilbur, David Wilbur and Marjorie Fargo and grandmother of the late Kristofer R. Vercellone.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend:
Visiting hours on Wednesday, November 14, 2007, 2-4 & 6-8 P.M.
Funeral from the Kirby Funeral Home, 61 Tarkiln Hill Road, New Bedford on Thursday, November 15, 2007 at 10 A.M. followed by services at the Long Plain United Methodist Church, 1215 Main Street, Acushnet at 11 A.M.
Interment in Sherman Cemetery, Rochester.