Mary Elizabeth Asher's Obituary
Mary Elizabeth Asher was born to Jacob and Virgie Wering, in Yankton, Oregon on October 31, 1940. Mary died on Friday, May 14th surrounded by her family in Longview, Washington, she was 69.
Graveside services will be held, Wednesday, May 19th at 2:00 PM at Yankton Hillcrest Cemetery.
Mary was a beautiful soul that loved her family above herself. She battled ovarian cancer for 6 ½ years. And she won the battle because she didn't allow it to break her spirit, mind, strength, grace, dignity, integrity or faith.
Her mother nicknamed her miracle and said that the only time Mary "broke her heart" was when she married Bill Asher because he was enlisted in the USAF which meant that Mary would move away. On August 29, 1958 Bill and Mary were married. Bill first met Mary in the summer of 1958 at Salmonberry Lake when Mary insulted Bill's dog, saying, his dog was ugly. This squabble lasted 52 years, long enough to produce two children, 8 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. It was a marriage destined to last despite the fact they met in June and were married in August. Mary was a Valedictorian at both Yankton and St. Helens High School where earned a 4 year college scholarship. Despite her husband's consistent encouragement and support to attend college, she preferred to choose her life's love and passion to pursue her career as a fulltime wife, mother and homemaker. She sewed her children clothes, grew, picked and canned her own fruits and vegetables and made homemade breads. Her children woke every morning to home cooked breakfasts and her husband came home from work to a four course meal.
Mary supported Bill throughout his 26 year USAF military career, through his training, excursions, flying career and as an Elite Air Commando and because of her support, Bill retired as a Chief Master Sergeant.
She was a friend and counselor to many. She gave of her time, money and energy to anyone who asked and many who didn't when she saw a need. She donated to numerous charities that were close to her heart. She loved the Danny Thomas Foundation that's run by his actress-daughter Marlo Thomas.
Mary is survived by her husband Bill, children; Lori Wilson and Billy C. Asher, grandchildren Jesse, Jennie Lee, Jacob, Jewel, Janelle, Jedi, Jonah and Jackie, Great grandchildren; Arianna and Emily and another on the way.
Mary's family will be forever changed by her passing. They know there is life after death for Mary, but love her so very very much that it feels like there isn't life after Mary's death for them. She will live on forever in their hearts because real love is eternally alive.
What’s your fondest memory of Mary?
What’s a lesson you learned from Mary?
Share a story where Mary's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Mary you’ll never forget.
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