Freda F.

Freda F. Ash, 96 of Salem (Big Battle Community) departed this life on Monday, February 24, 2014 at the United Hospital Center, Bridgeport. She was born on August 16, 1917 at Sycamore, Doddridge County, WV. She was the daughter of the late Albert F. and Flora Bell Tate Ford. She was preceded in death by her husband Murle Ash on December 3, 1965. Freda was a member of the Welcome Baptist Church.

Surviving are six sons, Larry Ash and wife Linda, TN, Lester Ash, Freeman Ash, Kenneth (Leonard) Ash and wife Debbie, Richard Ash and wife Roberta and Jeff Ash with whom she lived, all of Salem, five daughters, Sharon Darby and husband Jack, Lakewood Ranch, FL, Rhonda Cavins and special friend Mitch Dunham, Grafton, Janice Evans and husband Jerry, Rita Costilow and husband Bill, Donna Yerkey and husband Robert all of Salem, 29 grandchildren, 52 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by two sons, Rexford (Rex) Ash, Albert Ash, one sister, Glada Ford Cork, one brother, Freeman Ford, four grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

After the passing of her husband, Freda worked at the Summers Variety Store in Salem. She loved making quilts for her family and enjoyed quilting with her special friends, the late Zella Kellar, Gay Ford, Effie Hyde and Irene Underwood. Freda enjoyed attending her grandchildrens sporting events, which kept her very busy. Freda was a devoted Doddridge County basketball fan, and was awarded a Lifetime Pass to all sporting events by Cline Stansberry for her support, dedication and love of the game. If Freda was not watching Doddridge play, she was tuned in to an NBA ballgame coached by her favorite player, Larry Byrd. One of Fredas most memorable moments was when she got to attend an NBA Basketball game (coached by Larry Byrd), with her grandson, Brian Darby.

Freda appreciated Sunday afternoon drives and admired the beauty of the Doddridge County farm land. She enjoyed watching the Blue Roan cattle on her farm. The cattle birthing season was always worrisome for Freda, but once past that stage, she dearly loved watching the little calves running and kicking through the fields. She was a collector of owls. Her collection outgrew the house over the years, but she always found a special place for each and every one of them. She also enjoyed watching and collecting red birds. She was well known for the saying a little red bird told me. She loved playing dominos and cards during family visits. Everyone learned very quickly that Freda was going to win every game, as she was very competitive. Freda was so proud to have such a large family. It didnt matter what time of day or night you decided to visit, she was delighted to have the company. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who will be sadly missed by her family and friends.



The family would like to thank the Doddridge County Senior Citizens for all of their assistance and her care givers, Patsy Cork, Rhonda Jenkins and her granddaughter, Brooke Ash. The family would also like to thank Margaret Wanstreet for all of the beautiful and encouraging cards she sent every month for many years.

Funeral services will be conducted in the Harbert Funeral Home 287 W. Main St. Salem on Friday, February 28, 2014 at 1:00PM with Pastor Bob Marino presiding. Interment will follow in the Christian Church Cemetery, Center Point. The family will receive friends in the funeral home chapel on Thursday, February 27, 2014 from 2-8 PM and after 9AM on Friday until time of service. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Welcome Baptist Church C/O Jeanie Taylor 2578 Big Battle Run Rd. Salem, WV 26426 and Alzheimer's Association P.O. Box 96011 Washington, D.C. 20090-6011.

Expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family at www.harbertfuneralhome.com. Harbert Funeral Home is privileged to serve the Ash family.

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