Natalie Raye Ashby

Natalie Raye Ashby left her earthly body and went into eternity clothed in the righteousness of Jesus Christ on February 18, 2023. Natalie died in the early hours of the day, surrounded by her daughters, who were singing songs of their shared faith and childhood memories. The sun was not only rising in the sky, but Natalie’s spirit was rising to meet, face to face, the One who made it, and made her. Natalie has known much suffering and sadness in life, but the Lord has kept her through it all and she is fully at rest.

Natalie was born September 2, 1958, in Manassas, VA, to Loretta Kay and Walter Ray Ashby. She is survived by her siblings, Cindy Dickinson, Mendy Ashby, and Steve Ashby.

Her loving partner, Larry Hughes, was a man for whom she would do anything. Larry felt the same, faithfully loving and serving Natalie all the way to the end.

Natalie’s greatest passion and legacy was cultivating her home and raising her six children, all of whom survive her. Jennifer Schelling, Sarah Perry, Thomas Bowen, Nicole Kinzel, Ashley Bowen, Austin Bowen, and step-son Jordan Hughes. They are forever shaped by and thankful for her passion in all things, her work ethic, and her tenacity in seeking their protection. They know she loved them. Her memory will also continue to echo into the future through the impact made on her 19 grandchildren and great grandson. She was truly blessed.

Yet, it was her personal faith in her Savior Jesus Christ that gave Natalie comfort through life and gives her family peace in her death.

Friends may call from 1-2 p.m. Tuesday, February 21, 2023, at Sunday Road Baptist Church, Hico, WV.

A double funeral service will be held for both Natalie and her mother, Kay, at 2 p.m., February 21, 2023, at Sunday Road Baptist Church, Hico, WV. God chose to call Kay to Himself only days before Natalie’s death. The family feels it’s only fitting to celebrate them together since they loved one another and lived closely through life and were called home hand in hand.