Lula Ashby

Lula Mae Ashby, 92, of Decatur, died surrounded by her family on Saturday, September 14, 2013. Visitation will be Wednesday, September 18th, 2013, from 6pm to 8 pm at the funeral home and Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, September 19th at 10 am at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, Decatur, IL. Burial will be at Graceland Cemetery, Decatur, IL. Memorials may be made to the donor's choice. Lula was born March 1, 1921 in Evansville, IN, the daughter of Thomas and Mammie Gibbons. She married her soul mate James Ashby on November 2, 1938. James and Lula were small business owners in Decatur. She was preceded in death by, husband James: Sons, Leon "Bob" and Jim (Mary) Ashby; daughter Diana (Mark) Dehority; grandaughter Sherri Ashby: and great grandson Giovanni Sassano. She was survived by her brother Bob (Lou) Gibbons; son Gurley Thomas (Sonya) Ashby. Many nephews and nieces, especially Carol Mae (Bill) Kraeger. Lula lived her life celebrating being loved by her grandchildren. She loved holidays and spending time with them. Her last moments were being held by many of the grandchildren that loved her so much. Her bond with her grandchildren was more of a role of a mother than a grandmother. Later, her great grandchildren became such a huge part of her life. As recently as last weekend she had two of the little ones spend the night with her. This is what kept Lula so strong and active for so many years. How special she was to have multiple calls and visits from grandchildren and great grandchildren daily. It was remarkable and a blessing for everyone. She is survived by her grandchildren Mark (Tracy) Dehority their children Kendall, Paige and Kannon; Shelley (Shaun) Sassano their children Seven, Dominico, Lula and Salvatore; Jim (fiance Tammy) Ashby and his children Alysa and Blake father of Raeleigh; Joe Ashby father of Peyton, Wesley and Aidan; Jeff (Melissa) Ashby and their daughter Kate; Michael Ashby; Matthew Ashby; Brian (Debbie) Ashby and their children Ryan and Melissa (Zach) Milligan, parents of Arion; Robert (fiance Mario) Ashby; Cheyrl (Troy) Tate their children Tonya (her daughter Tabitha) and Jessica (Jeremiah) McCullum and their children Jordan, Jarett and Jackson; Anna Ashby her daughters Cheyenne and Tonya; Michael Porter; Dawn Stine and her daughters Jaden and Jaren. Lula was a wonderful, strong, loving and family oriented person. Grandma Lula loved her family her whole life, and now Grandma, we will love you for the rest of our lives. We will miss you. Thank you for loving us so much! "
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