Evelyn Marie (Middaugh) Ashby, 86

MILTON - Evelyn Marie (Middaugh) Ashby of Milton passed away from this life on Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2007, in Lewes Convalescent Center and is safely home with her Savior following a courageous battle with cancer. She was 86.

Mrs. Ashby was born on June 15, 1921, in St. Mary"s, W.Va., the oldest of eight children in a close-knit Methodist minister"s family.

She was a self-taught pianist and organist and she volunteered her instrumental and vocal musical talents in church throughout her life.

Mrs. Ashby attended Fairmont State Teachers College, receiving degrees in biology and home economics.

She married the love of her life, E. Mason Ashby in 1943, raised four sons and devoted herself to home, family and serving in the Methodist Church.

Through various moves, Mrs. Ashby has lived in Fairmont, W.Va., West Caldwell, N.J., McMurray, Pa., and Milton.

Her family will miss her sweet smile, sparkling blue eyes and her kind, soft-spoken nature.

She was preceded in death was her beloved husband of 63 years, E. Mason Ashby.

She is survived by her sons, Edgar Mason Ashby Jr. and his wife, Patty of Des Moines, Iowa, William I. Ashby of Harbeson, Robert E. Ashby and his wife, Sandy of Newark, and Richard A. Ashby of Milton; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and her seven brothers and sisters and their extended families.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday in the chapel of Short Funeral Services, 416 Federal St., Milton, where friends may call one hour prior.

Interment will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Milton.

Instead of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Trinity United Methodist Church, 530 Center Church Road, McMurray, PA 15317; or to Goshen United Methodist Church, 103 Mulberry St., Milton, DE 19968.