Joan Kay Ashmore

Lifetime area resident Joan Kay Ashmore (67) of Fife Lake, Michigan was called home to the loving arms of Jesus on February 27, 2016 after a sudden illness. She was born March 24, 1948 to John and Kathleen Ashmore and was a 1966 graduate of Kingsley Area High School. She provided clerical services for various businesses in the Traverse City area, with over 25 years and her retirement from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

Joan loved the Lord and was a longtime active member of the Kingsley Baptist Church and later the Fife Lake Area Church groups. She played piano, sang, provided special music, board memberships, participated in the choir and taught Sunday school throughout her life. She especially enjoyed teaching the younger children about the love of Christ and helping them to memorize scripture as she felt this would be helpful in their lives.

Joan also had a well-known and unchanging love for living on the Ashmore farm established over 70 years ago, where she lived as a child and also was her final residence. Joan enjoyed some of the simpler things in life. Days past with close knit neighbors and farm families were particularly happy memories for her.

She enjoyed learning the history of her family and took special care to stay connected with family and friends near and far. She enjoyed any family gathering and when able, made a point to attend the annual Harrington-Roe reunions (Cass City, MI) and the Noonan reunions (Glen Arbor, MI).

Apart from family events, she also ventured further from home and among her travels she especially enjoyed Hawaii, the Redwoods in California and the Grand Canyon and Western National Parks.

Joan had a special love for little children, would take time with them, and was always willing to help out with her many nephews and nieces. She enjoyed nature and had a love for animals with a dog and a couple of cats always around, often taking in a stray.

Joan also enjoyed both watching and playing sports. She played basketball in high school and enjoyed over 20 years on softball teams (3rd base with an arm). She also participated throughout her life on various bowling teams. At family gatherings, you could either find her spending time with the little ones or starting a game of any kind with the adults, as her competitive nature kicked in.

She was a life-long reader, continuing to engage in Bible Studies, and especially enjoyed Western novels including the writings of Zane Grey and Louis L'Amour. She loved to sing and participated in the Interlochen Arts and NMC Community Choirs. Joan enjoyed crafts & needlework with family and friends receiving handmade gifts from her. She also made various items for those in need. She was a proud auxiliary member at the American Legion Post 289 of Williamsburg, MI.

Joan was preceded in death by her father, her nephew Jason Schmuckal and her great niece Natasha Ashmore. She is survived by her mother Kathleen Ashmore of Traverse City, and siblings Ronald (Kay) Ashmore of Flint, Jaqueline (Ron) Ross of Newberry and Shelly Ashmore of Traverse City. She is also survived by 7 nephews, Phillip (Sonya) Ashmore, Paul (Ellen) Ashmore, Nathan (Tammy) Ashmore, Joshua (Angel) Schmuckal, Jeremy Ross, Jonathon & Michael Murfield. Also surviving are several great and great-great nieces and nephews.

Cremation has previously taken place. A time of remembrance will be held on Friday, June 3rd, at the Covell Funeral home in TC, MI. The service will be held at 12:00 pm with visitation one hour prior. Pastor Joe Bradway will be presiding.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Cherryland Humane Society or AC Paw of Traverse City.

Please share your memories and condolences online at www.covellfuenralhomes.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Covell Funeral Home of Traverse City, Michigan.