Sue Ashburn

Patricia Sue  Ashburn, our loving mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend peacefully departed this world surrounded by family on March 18, 2024, at the age of 91.  She is survived by her youngest sister Linda, son and daughter- in- law, Arnold and Kathy, granchildren; Candice and Nathan, and her four great grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews.  Her sister Paula and brother Max have gone on before her, along with other dear family members.  There is no doubt that a joyful celebration in heaven commenced at mom's arrival there.
Sue was born in Rocky, OK., in 1932 to Paul and Nora Belle.  She was graced with Shirley Temple curls, crystal blue eyes, and a beautiful smile from the beginning.  Sue grew up in Anton, Tx. She went on to earn her Bachelors degree from Hardin Simmons University and began her life's work of educating children.. She was always passionate about giving children a safe and loving enviroment to learn in.  Education was definitely her calling.   She was an elemetary teacher for many years where her integrity and leadership skills were a guiding light for many.  Sue was strongly encouraged to move from teaching to school administration and she obtained her Masters degree and made that move.  Those years were also very rewarding for her personally and she flourished, as did her faculty and staff.  Sue delt with faculty, staff, students and parents with respect, dignity, consideration, and a great sense of humor.  As a strong leader that expected much from herself and others, Sue always ecouraged others to find the best solution to any need.  She gave much of herself to South Knoll Elementary as a teacher, an assistant principal then as Pricipal at Southwood Valley Elementary and the community, friends and families in both schools.
As a mom, she exemplified the true meaning of that word, both to her son and to her daughter- in- law.  Caring, teaching, loving, protecting.  Words are insufficient to express the love and gratitude we have for her as she put love into action in so many ways.  Mom was Wonder Woman!  She saw us through many hardships during a long season of illness for Kathy.  We could not have managed without her loving care to us, Candice and Nathan.  It has been an honor to have her live with us and care for her during her most difficult time of life and she continued to amaze everyone with her wit and strenghth.  Ten of us, four generations, around the dinner table each night has been the best.  What precious memories we all have because of our time together.
As Mama Sue to the grandkids and GG to the great grandkids, she never missed an opportunity to give a big hug or grab a good book to read to or with them.  She was a center point in their lives, and we are forever grateful for the time she was able to spend with them.  
Patricia Sue Ashburn always took a genuine interest in anyone she met, young or old.  Her abillity to connect with people was amazing and it was obvious that she truly cared about whoever was there in front of her.  Even more amazing was the next time you would encounter her, she would let you know just how much you meant to her because she would remember your name, even if she just met you in passing, and if you shared about some aspect of your life, she would remember the details of that too.  Everywhere she went, someone would stop her to catch a little ray of her sunshine!
We are so blessed to be given the life that we had with her.  Grateful for the time we shared.  Honored by the legacy of love she leaves to so many in all walks of life.  She will be deeply missed, but we are able to rejoice with her as she is free from the body that frastrated her by the minute.  We look forward to seeing her when it is time to take off our "earth suit" and join the heavenly reunion, full of joy and praises to our Lord and Savior.  
Mom would encourage us to make the most of every day with friends and family.  Share a big hug, a simple thank you, and cherished memory, and throw in lots and lots of laughter.  She believed it is never too late to make more precious times together or to let others know they are an improtant part of your life.  And she would say Jesus is the most important of all.  He loves us one and all and is the reason why we sing!

In lieu of flowers, mom wanted to support  Completing the Task.
Completing The Task Inc.  
http://paypal.me/completingthetask
P.O. Box 2777
Bryan, Texas 77805