Obituary of Dorothy Gertrude Ashman

Dorothy Ashman, who was a devoted mother, military wife, and member of the Order of the Eastern Star, died on Jan. 28 in Lacey, WA. She was 86. She died quietly at home surrounded by her loving family, said Marsha L. Grisham, her eldest daughter.Dorothy Ashman (Breininger) was born on October 13th, 1923 in the small coal mining town of Pottsville, Pennsylvania to Annie Laurie Breininger. When Dorothy was a young girl Pottsville had a population of less than 20 thousand people, a thriving coal mine, Yuengling brewery, and for a short time the NFL national championship team the Pottsville Maroons. As a young lady Dorothy worked with several volunteer organizations; most notably serving as a gray lady (a precursor to the candy stripers) and during World War II as a USO girl, and Red Cross Volunteer in Germany. Following her graduation from Pottsville High School Dorothy met Frank H. Ashman. In 1946 Dorothy married Frank ,who precedes her in death in 1976. Dorothy and Frank had two daughters Marsha L. Ashman (Grisham) and Aldona K. Ashman. Frank served many years in the US Army moving the family to various military installations throughout the world. Dorothy and family lived for extended times in Alaska, Virginia, Georgia, Germany and France before settling in Washington. Dorothy loved being an army wife and all the travel opportunities it brought. Where ever she went Dorothy was active in church and community; first joining the Order of the Eastern Star in Alaska and maintaining membership in Washington. She was active in St. Marks Lutheran Church Choir and the Bible Study Committee. Beyond being a loving mother, Dorothy also worked in retail throughout her life. Many know her for her long career as a cashier at the South Sound Woolworth’s; she also worked at the Army Post Exchange in Fort Wainwright, Alaska and the Millinery Store in Pottsville, PA. Enjoying her retirement, Dorothy enjoyed spending her days taking care of her beloved cats, Lucky, Payton, and Riley, and feeding any stray that wandered into her yard. Dorothy loved all animals, large and small; attending church activities; checking on welfare of friends and family; talking on the phone; watching her favorite soap opera, the Seattle Seahawks and TV show Nancy Grace; reading her bible and listening to music. For all that knew her, Dorothy will be remembered as a cheerful, loving, twinkle in her eye kind of gal, always concerned about others less fortunate. Dorothy loved her endless cup of coffee, chocolate, the color purple, and to mimic various people in good fun. One of her favorite sayings was "Duh Ralph" and "No Duh," no one ever figured out who Ralph was. She is survived by her two daughters Marsha L. Grisham and Aldona K. Ashman, son-in-law Timothy L Grisham, grandson Timothy M Grisham, as well as her beloved family pets. She is predeceased by her loving husband Frank H. Ashman, Uncles Lou and Edward Breininger and Mother Annie Laurie Breininger. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation in Dorothy's name to be made to Feline Friends, Post Office Box 27, Shelton, WA 98584 and the Thurston County Food Bank, 220 Thurston St. N.E., Olympia, WA 98501-1138. You may leave memories and condolences by clicking on "View Guestbook" below.