Elise was born on August 30, 1924 in Energy, Illinois to Carl and Susie Bowen. She was united in marriage to Harold L. Ashby on December 28, 1947 in Energy. He preceded her in death on August 28, 2008. They were married for 60 blissful years.
She is survived by her son Bruce Ashby of Carbondale; three granddaughters, Amy Elise Moore (and husband Brian), Risa Lyn Heeren, and Caitlin Meredith Heeren; four great-grandchildren, Brayden Thomas Diver, Logan Ashby Moore, Hadley Elise Moore, and Charlotte Josephine Moore; two brothers, JC and Leonard Bowen; and niece Suzanne Boner.
In addition to her husband, Elise was preceded in death by her daughter Julianne Heeren; three brothers, Carl, Ray, and Paul Bowen; and sister-in-law Bernice Mortenson.
Elise had a passion for children both personally and professionally. She was a 1968 graduate of Southern Illinois University Carbondale with a Master’s degree in Education. She was a teacher at Carbondale Elementary schools from 1966-1971. She was a guidance counselor at Herrin Unit District schools from 1971-1987 and at Crab Orchard School District from 1988-1999. She was a member and past Treasurer of the The Jackson County Retired Teachers Association. She was also a member of Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority the Alpha Kappa Chapter of Southern Illinois. She was the Past President of Alpha Kappa Chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma International Society of Teachers.
Elise had an unwavering faith in God. She was a member of First United Methodist Church of Carbondale for over 50 years. Over the years, she had become very involved with the church, serving as a Stephen Minister and volunteering on the weekly Asburian newsletter.
A service to celebrate Elise’s life will be held on Wednesday, June 5 at First United Methodist Church, 214 West Main in Carbondale. The visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, followed by a memorial service at 11:00 AM conducted by Rev. Alan Rhein. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church Building Fund.
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