Kathleen L. Ashley, 85, of Benton, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2026, at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Kathy was born on July 4, 1940, in Pontiac, Michigan to the late Harold and Doris Pearce Oliver.

Kathy was a very precious, beautiful, Godly lady. She radiated a continuous glow. She had an inner beauty and loved Jesus, her family, church family, neighbors, many friends and her precious “Golden Girls”. Kathy was an extremely talented painter (and hadn’t painted her 1st picture until the age of 52). She also wrote many beautiful poems and just a week ago, she finished her 1st book, “1,001 Ways to Praise God”, which is in the process now of getting published. Kathy loved being in Covenant Groups at church and served for 5 years as a hospital chaplain on the hospital’s spiritual care team and would visit every patient on the 3rd floor every Thursday. She loved get-togethers and nature’s beauty. Kathy absolutely loved all of her flowers. She was a very talented decorator, and that was greatly reflected in her lovely home and yard. Kathy was a dedicated, hardworking employee at General Motors, Truck and Bus in Pontiac, Michigan for 25 years until she had to be medically retired due to cancer in 1996. One of her favorite life’s joys was her children, grandbabies and great grandbabies. Her light shined very brightly everywhere she went.

“Kathy will be deeply missed until we are reunited in heaven”, her very blessed and adoring husband, Steve.

In addition to her parents, Harold and Doris Pearce Oliver, she was preceded in death by her son, David Paul LeGault.

Left to cherish the many memories include her beloved husband, of 38 years, Steven L. Ashley; loving children, Carrie (Leigh) Hankins, Allison (Jude) Sundquist, Steven (Kelly) Ashley, Jr. and David (Tracy) Ashley; grandchildren, Chelsea (Chris) Roetzel, Amanda (Cody) Schons, Brian Ashley, Erika Ashley, Zeeva Geary, Brendon Ashley and Felix Sunquist; great grandchildren, Bailee Jackson and Rory Schons; brother, Rick (Lisa) Oliver; nephews, Nathan (Amy) Jamnik and Jeff Oliver; niece, Jennifer Oliver.

A memorial service will be held at 12:00 p.m., on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Hillcrest Church of God in Etowah, Tennessee with Pastor Zach Davis officiating.

Her family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to Hillcrest Church of God/Etowah, Tennessee, Miracle Lake, or Women at the Well.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.HigginsFuneral.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to Higgins Funeral Home of Benton.