Lily Ash

(From Simpson Funeral Home)

Lily Mae Ash, age 93 of Carl Junction, Missouri passed away on Wednesday, March 16, 2022. She was born on June 25, 1928 in Joplin, Missouri to Herbert Sandy and Marguerite (Milleson) Sandy. 

Lily graduated from Carl Junction High School in the class of 1946. She went on to further her education at Kansas State College which is now known as Pittsburg State University and received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Education in 1960. 

Lily then began her teaching career in the fall of 1960 as a first-grade teacher in the Carl Junction School system. She taught first grade for 16 years, she also taught second grade for 2 years, and Remedial Reading for grades one and two. In 1965, she received her Master's Degree from Kansas State College; and in 1978, she earned certification as a Reading Specialist. 

Lily is a member of the Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church in Webb City, and is a member and past officer of the Missouri State Teachers' Association and the Carl Junction Teachers' Association. She devoted most of her time to teaching children; however, she loved to travel and has visited Europe and Mexico. When time permitted she loved to sew and read. 

Lily is survived by her children, William Jerry Ash of Springfield, Missouri, Suzy Wiggins of Atlanta, Georgia, Sandy Smith of Odessa, Missouri; a sister, Jeannette Verbryck of Carl Junction; grandchildren, Lucas Smith and wife Shauna of Waynesville, Missouri, Aaron Williams and wife Karla of Dacula, Georgia, Casey Smith and wife Britny of Odessa, Missouri, Sara Vaught and husband Andy of Kannapolis, North Carolina, Makenzie Evinger and husband Owen of Odessa, Missouri, Madison Grover and husband Brandon of Springfield, Missouri; and 11 great grandchildren. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, William Albert Ash; a sister, Audrey Ward; a brother, Steve Sandy; and infant daughter, Pamela Ash; and a great granddaughter, Lilly Sofia Williams. 

A visitation will be held on Monday, March 21, 2022 at the Simpson Funeral Home in Carl Junction from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, March 22, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church with Reverend Bob Simon officiating. Burial will follow services in Carl Junction Cemetery. 

The family would like to give a special thanks to Cheryl Hicks for her help and care of Lily the past few months. 

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial donations be made to the Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church, or the Carl Junction Community Library. 

Services are under the direction of Simpson Funeral Home in Carl Junction. Visit www.simpsonfh.com for online condolences.