Roberta Ashley

Ruth Reed Ashley 19512012

Ruth Reed Ashley went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, April 14, 2012.
Services will be held at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, April 17, 2012, at the Church of Christ in
Melrose, New Mexico Ruth lost her battle with cancer at the age of 60.

Ruth was born on July 30, 1951 to Weldon and Vernell Reed in Portales, New Mexico.
She was raised on the family farm north of Floyd, NM. She met and married her high
school sweetheart and husband of 40 years, Jeff Ashley, on June 5, 1971. Ruth received
her Bachelor of Science and Masters degree plus 45 hours in Education as a Reading
Specialist from Eastern New Mexico University. Her career in education spanned 28
years. She served as the Roosevelt County Home Economist, taught Home Economics at
Deming High School, was a third grade teacher at Zia Elementary in Clovis and
completed her career in education at Floyd Elementary serving as a Reading Coach and
Reading Interventionist. Ruth loved children and teaching. Teaching four and five year
olds at church was a joy as these children and the many elementary children she taught
held a special place in her heart. She was a lifelong learner. Unexpectedly, the last year
of her life she was learning about cancer, medical procedures, and medicines. As any
teacher would do, she shared information about ovarian cancer and the importance of
early detection with others.

Ruths bright welcoming smile will be missed as she was active, full of life, and loved
her family. She was a loving mother and the number one fan at her sons activities. She
followed all their school events, basketball and baseball games, FFA, and 4H activities.
Ruth was also happy at home on the ranch. She was a helpmate working alongside Jeff
moving cattle from pasture to pasture, feeding cattle, branding, and preparing meals for
cowboys. Ruths latest love and treasured time was being MiMi to her three
grandchildren.

Ruth is survived by her husband, Jeff, of their home south of Melrose. She and Jeff were
the proud parents of two sons Ryan Amanda Ashley of Las Cruces, New Mexico and
Justin Lauren Ashley of Midland, Texas, three beautiful grandchildren Karissa Ashley,
Hailei Cotton and Kyler Cotton. She is also survived by her parents Weldon and Vernell
Reed a sister, Rosa Jimmy Goolsby of Casper, Wyoming two brothers, Joe Becky
Reed of Melrose, NM Kenny Darla Reed of Portales, NM her motherinlaw, Norma
Ashley of Clovis, NM two brothersinlaw, Gary Ashley of Clovis, NM and Mike
Ashley of Abilene, Texas and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Ruth was preceded in death by her fatherinlaw W.F. Fred Ashley, grandparents John
and Lola Reed and A.M. Mac and Avo McGowen.

Casket bearers are dear friends: Frank Glover, Burl Dodd, Laban Tubbs, Damon Terry, Gary Lewis and Michael Eaton. Honorary casket bearers are Ruths Fellow Teachers.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, 14 Pennsylvania Plaza, Suite 1710, New York, NY 10122 2122681002.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of SteedTodd Funeral Home, 800 E. Manana Blvd. Clovis, New Mexico 575 7635541. You may sign the online guest registry at www.steedtodd.com .

Visitation

SteedTodd Funeral Home
800 E. Manana
Clovis, NM  88101
Monday, April 16, 2012
6:00 8:00 PM

Service

Funeral Service

Melrose Church of Christ
221 Main St.
Melrose, NM  88124
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
2:00 p.m.

Cemetery

Melrose Cemetery
Center St.
Melrose, NM  88124

Memorial Contributions

14 Pennsylvania Plaza, Suite 1710
New York, NY  10122