Bobby Ruth Lacey Ashley

Bobby Ruth Lacey Ashley died September 29, 2024. She was born June 5, 1938 to Robert and Estelle Lacey in Weir, MS. She was a proud graduate from Weir High School, as Valedictorian of her class, BS in Education from Mississippi State University, MS in Counseling from Delta State University and a Specialist in Counseling from University of Southern MS.

 She married Coach John E. Ashley on August 23, 1958. After graduation, Bobby worked in education for 35 years including Pearl, Leflore County Schools, Rankin County schools and Mississippi Delta Community College. The last 18 years were spent as counselor in Brandon High School.

 Bobby was a life-long Baptist. She committed her life to Christ in July, 1948 and became a member of Beulah Baptist Church. She served the LORD faithfully throughout her life teaching Sunday School, leading Bible studies, VBS and mission trips. 

 Bobby is survived by her husband of 66 years and her daughter, Amy Withers and her husband, Dan in Katy, TX and Lacey Schmelzle (husband Oliver, deceased) in Austin, TX. She was proud of granddaughters, Ashley Dobson and husband Cameron in Alexandria, VA and Haley Withers and husband Rich Wilyman in Abergele, Wales. She was proud of her grandson, Ryder John Martin Schmelzle in Austin, TX. She is also survived by a sister, Martha Elizabeth Lacey Poore and husband, Jim in Birmingham, AL. She loved her extended family members, many cousins, in-laws, nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. 

 She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters, Sarah Lacey and Evelyn Lacey Eldridge and she missed them dearly. 

  Visitation is Friday, October 4th from 5-7 p.m. and Saturday, October 5th from 9-10 a.m. Funeral Services will be Saturday, October 5th at 10 a.m.    Burial will follow at 2 p.m. in Beulah Cemetery on 1420 Weir Panhandle Road in McCool, MS 39108.

 In lieu of flowers, a memorial in her memory may be made to First Baptist Brandon or Gideon’s International.

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