Karen Ashby
April 14, 1944 – November 29, 2020
Karen Ashby, a lifelong resident of Modesto, California, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on November 29, 2020, at the age of 76 years old.
She was born on April 14, 1944 to Raymond and Merle Beckwith. She attended Downey High School and later married to her devoted and loving husband, John Ashby. They built a wonderful life together in Modesto where they raised their thirteen children.
Karen’s home was always full of love and laughter with the many friends and extended family who frequently gathered there. She was affectionately known as a motherly figure and caretaker to many throughout the years. Karen was known for her exceptional cooking skills and loved serving and feeding her large family. She also enjoyed serving in her church, One Church, by preparing meals for church gatherings.
Karen was an inspiration to many families as an advocate for adoption. Before retiring, she worked for Family Connections Christian Adoptions in multiple capacities for over thirty years. As an adoptive parent herself, she was recognized as an “Angel in Adoption” from the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute, which is a program designed to bring recognition to individuals who are making extraordinary contributions to adoption, permanency, and child welfare.
Karen is survived by her husband of 41 years, John Ashby, thirteen children, twenty-four grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. She is also survived by her younger sister, Donna Snyder.
Karen’s life will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on December 5, 2020. A Memorial service and reception will be held at Big Valley Grace Community Church, 4040 Tully Road, Modesto, California 95356. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Family Connections Christian Adoptions, 1120 Tully Road, Modesto, CA 95350.
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