Shizuko Shirley Ashby

Loaned to us: May 10, 1934

Taken Home to Jesus: June 2, 2018

Shirley blessed us with her presence for 84 years, being a blessing to so many, a shining example of a great wife, mom, grandma, neighbor, church member, and friend.

Shirley was born and raised in Tokyo, Japan during the 1930s and 1940s where she resided until being swept off her feet by a dashing American sailor named Joe Ashby. After a lovely courtship, sailor Joe and his most beautiful bride Shirley were married on June 8th, 1953. And she never looked back.

Shirley was an active member at Calvary Southern Baptist Church of Linda Vista for over 50 years, during which time she developed deep and lasting friendships with dozens of amazing people. Although an outstanding wife, mother, grandmother, seamstress, and cook, she was also a special neighbor and friend, someone you could always count on to help you in a pinch. Her delicious dinners featuring yakisoba, udon, spaghetti, wontons, green beans, pork chops, fried rice, and other delicious delicacies were frequently requested and enjoyed by her family and friends. She will be sorely missed by all those fortunate enough to have known her.

Shirley is survived by her lovely daughter Debby & husband Timothy Hulbert, precious granddaughter Christina Hulbert, brother-in-law Avis Ashby & wife Cindy, sister-in-law Ellen Pattison, sister-in-law Norma Ashby, and faithful family dog & companion Mocha (her “grandson”). She is preceded in death by her birth parents Kintaro and Tome Ishikawa, her adopted father Ichiro Ogawa, and her husband of 52 years Joe Ashby.

There will be an open-casket viewing from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm on Friday, June 15th, for all who desire to attend, as well as a closed-casket Funeral service at 1:00 pm on Thursday, June 28th. Both will take place at the El Camino Memorial Park & Mortuary in Mira Mesa.

Immediately following the grave site burial, there will also be a fellowship dinner at First Baptist Church of Clairemont (FBCC), located at 3219 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard.

Thank you for joining us in honoring this wonderful woman.

Debby Hulbert & Family