Barbara Ash

Barbara Jean Ash, 89, of Abilene, TX, died peacefully in her sleep at home on Thursday, August 24, 2023. She was born July 10, 1934, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Russell and Verenice Bailey.

As her father pursued his career as an Industrial Engineer for the U.S. Government, Barbara and her family lived in Tennessee, Virginia, Florida, and Alabama. Her Christian faith, first taught and modeled by her parents and then by her husband, as well as many others, always brought forgiveness, joy and hope into her life.

In 1955, she married Anthony Lee (Tony) Ash. He was a teacher, minister, and university professor at Pepperdine University and at Abilene Christian University.

Barbara earned an Associate Arts (AA) Degree from Florida College, Tampa, FL; a Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree from St. Edward's University, Austin, TX; and a Master of Science (MS) Degree from Texas State University, in San Marcos, TX.

She worked 43 years in U.S. Federal Civil Service on military bases in Georgia, California, and Texas, retiring in 2001 as the Civilian Education Services Officer at Dyess Air Force Base, in Abilene, TX.

Barbara celebrated her retirement by skydiving/parachuting from an altitude of more than 5,000-ft. and received a certificate for her "Mile-High Parachute Jump." She enjoyed reading and was active in two book clubs. She also loved paddling her kayak on Lake Lytle near her home. She attributed her long, excellent health to her daily long walks and other fitness activities.

Another passion Barbara shared with Tony was traveling widely in the U.S. and around the world. In her 70s, they hiked several times with close friends across various parts of the U.K. and in Oregon. She and Tony also enjoyed hosting his university students, former students, and many other friends in their home and in their timeshare condominium units in Kauai for more than 30 years. She was a long-time member of the University Church of Christ.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Ruth Rideout, her adopted sister, Linda Bailey, her cousin, Ted Bailey, and her beloved husband, Tony, after nearly 63 years of marriage. Barbara was lovingly cared for by dear friends, the medical professionals of Hendrick Hospice, and her team of Visiting Angels.

A "Celebration of Life" will be held Saturday, September 9, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. in the Chapel at the University Church of Christ, 733 E. North 16th Street, Abilene, Texas 79601.

In Barbara's honor, donations may be made to Village of Hope, PO Box 670394, Dallas, TX 75367 or online at https://www.thevohgroup/