Mrs. Naomi Ashley, after 89 years, "went to be with the Lord" on Wednesday afternoon, December 28, 2011 from her home in Okay, Oklahoma.

She was born in the Snake Creek Settlement of Bixby, Oklahoma on April 13, 1922 from the union of Jessie Ratliff and Ola Mae Deboise. She experienced a wonderful childhood and graduated from Lincoln High School in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma.

Naomi accepted Christ into her life at an early age and was baptized under the auspicies of Reverend W. Purcell at the First Baptist Church in Okay, Oklahoma. She was very active and served the Lord faithfully, serving as President of teh Mission Women's Group, under the Pastoral care of Reverend Clarence R. Ashley, her son.

On March 16, 1941, she united in Holy Matrimony with Louie AShley, Sr., and their union was blessed with nine children; five boys and four girls. She was a great homemaker and a hard working woman. She was a woman of many skills that were not all easy tasks, but she did them regardless. She worked in the fileds, she cooked, she was a nurse aid, but the most fun and meaningful task was being a "Granny" at the Okay Elementary School with Mrs. Bakers kindergarden class. Mrs. Ashley earned the title of "GRANNY OF OKAY", which to her, was a great honor.

She also had a hobby that she was known for and that was fishing! She was serious about it, no matter what the size of the catch was, she was going to keep it. She did not fish with one pole, but many. It can be said that was her greatest joy to do...."Fish !"

Mrs. Ashley will be remember for many things, but the most important was her love of God and others. Her sense of humor that flowed out where she was. She had a great smile that filled you with joy. She exemplified "virtuous woman" not only at home but in her community.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a son and several grandchildren.

She leaves in God's care; four sons, Louie Ashley, Jr., Muskogee, Oklahoma, Joseph Ashley, Clarence Ashley and Frederick Ashley, all of Okay, Oklahoma; four daughters, Gwen Ashley, Lawana Ashley, both of Okay, Oklahoma, Annett Ashley, Dallas, Texas adn Lolita Gilbert, Muskogee, Oklahoma; along with a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; a caravan of nieces, nephews, cousins and also a host of spiritual sons and daughters, as well as friends.

The Sacred Farewell Tribute will commence on Wednesday, January 4, 2012 at 11:00 A.M. in the First Assembly of God. Pastor Steve Rose is the gracious host Pastor and Reverend Clarence Ashley, her Pastor, will officiate.

The Christian Committal will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery at Gibson Station, Oklahoma. You may visit Mother Ashley, as she slumbers at the funeral home on Tuesday from 10 AM until 4 PM and from 5 PM until 7 PM at the First Baptist Church in Okay.