Dates
Our most precious mother left this world to join the Lord and the love of her life, Roy, on Friday, March 7, 2014.
Eddie Mae was born “out behind Rowena” on January 9, 1929 to Ed & Frances Bolf Kohutek. After her father was killed in a tragic horse riding accident her mother remarried. Joe Janek finished raising Eddie Mae and was known for running off many of her hopeful suitors.
Growing up on a farm she picked cotton, wore feed sack dresses at times and walked miles to school. She graduated from Miles High School and went on to attend business College in Abilene, Texas, where she met Roy. They were married August 24, 1947 and were together 51 years before his passing. They lived in Abilene and Wichita Falls before settling in San Angelo, where she continued to take care of her sister and brothers at times.
She wore many hats in her 85 years. She briefly worked in doctors’ offices, not only running the clerical end but also assisting the physicians. She was active as a Cub Scout den mother, baking and decorating thousands of cakes, making sugar Easter eggs, square dancing, and active in her children’s school and sports activities, among other things. For a short period of time she worked in the bakery at Skaggs Albertsons, decorating beautiful cakes. She also enjoyed playing the accordion and the piano.
A lifelong Presbyterian, she was very active in the church and was a long time member of the choir. Eddie Mae was also an elder for a time and led several study groups.
She also enjoyed camping, fishing, baking and going to bluegrass festivals, and was a regular at local blue grass gatherings. Her most favorite trip was to Branson where she got to meet Daniel O’Donnell, and was proud to show off the picture she had made with him.
All of the kids and grandkids got to spend time with her at her beloved camping getting away “Briar Hollow” at Lake Brownwood. Family gatherings always included rousing games of Wahoo, Checkers, and UNO.
Mama will be missed by her children, Gary Ashley and wife Kathey of Hawley, Ronnie Ashley, Tommy Ashley both from Grape Creek, Alan Ashley and wife Peggy Jo of San Angelo, and Leah Ashley-Scott and husband Jay of Grape Creek. Also brother Wesley Janek and wife Penney of Mertzon, and Glenda Janek of Cotulla.
Meemaw will also be remembered by her grandkids, Geremy Ashley, Nathan Ashley, April Ashley, Shelly Childress, Travis Ashley, Chad Ashley, Shelly Crimm, Sherian Briley, Jody Ashley, Cody Ashley, Lindsey Jost, Duncan Walraven, Jason Lagasse, & Joshua Scott. Also 22 great grand children.
She was preceded in death by her husband Roy, sister, Irene Gleason, brother Leon Janek and grandson Zachary.
Family visitation will be from 6-8 on Monday, March 10 at Robert Masssie Funeral Home. A memorial will be held at 10am on Tuesday, March 11 at St. Paul Presbyterian Church with graveside services to follow at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens. Honorary pallbearers will be the grandchildren.
Mama was also be blessed to be loved by other special people in her life including Susan Bell, Gayle McLaughlin & Daniela Pomar-Robledo.
Many lives, young and old were touched by this wonderful woman and her legacy will continue through those she touched.
The family would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to the staff of the Emergency department and 5 north at Shannon Medical Center for their outstanding care of mama and our family in her last days. Words cannot express our gratitude for their excellent care and loving compassion.
Memorials can be sent to St. Paul Presbyterian Church 11 North Park.