Catheryn Lee Ashley

Cathryn Lee Ashley

1953- 2021

Cathryn (Cathy) Lee Hufft Ashley, beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother and friend, passed away peacefully at home on December 28, 2021 just days after Christmas celebrations with her husband, children, and grandchildren.  She will be dearly missed by all. For the past year and a half, she fought bravely as she battled cancer.  In her final days, Cathy was visited by her children and grandchildren. Surrounded by love, she left this world with her husband and children by her side. 

Cathy was born on September 23, 1953, the third of three children to Miles Francis “Bub” Hufft and Wanda Joy Hindman in Bakersfield, California.  She spent most of her life in Missouri, where she raised her three sons and met and married her husband, Matthew E. Ashley in 2004. 

Cathy had a love for teaching and dedicated 30 years of her life as a grade-school teacher in the public school system. Her passion for education touched many lives and didn't stop at retirement as she spent many hours tutoring anyone who was willing to learn.

Cathy loved to read and would always talk about her latest book, but her greatest enjoyment was spending time with her family, especially her four grandchildren, who she loved dearly.

She is survived by her husband Matthew Ashley, her sons Adrian Robert (Judy), Jason Lee, Joseph Michael (Samantha), and grandchildren Claire Copus (13), Dylan Copus (11), Michael Copus (8), Eli Copus (7) and by her brother Michael Hufft (Kathleen).

In Cathy’s honor, the family suggests a donation to the Cancer Research Institute. Her wish was to postpone a celebration of life ceremony until the spring.