Grace Lorene Ashton, 99, longtime resident of Powhattan, died Saturday morning, December 31, 2022, at Mission Village Care Center in Horton.

Grace was born May 7, 1923 at Okmulgee, Oklahoma, the daughter of Frank and Vera Boyer Wagoner. She moved with her family at a young age where they settled near Horton where she grew up and attended country school. Grace worked as a nurse aide at the old Horton Hospital (located downtown) for five years and for ten years as a Powhattan school cook before deciding to stay at home and raise her family.

She married Lawrence Ashton, at Hiawatha, August 14, 1939. They farmed and raised livestock near Fairview. It was in 1952 they moved to the town of Powhattan to make their home. He preceded her in death January 12, 1998. Grace continued to maintain her home and be very independent until recent months. She had her mind set to make it till May when she would have been 100.

Mrs. Ashton was a longtime member of the Powhattan United Methodist Church; and the Victory Club. Grace was an over 50 year member of Wenger Post #373 Powhattan American Legion Auxiliary.

Survivors include her children Randy Ashton, Shirley Ashton, Susan Hockhousen, Wanda Cox; siblings: Billy Ann Cummins, Bessie Penrod, Zohna Turner, Wanda Saxton; 15 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and a great-great-grandchild.

Grace was also preceded in death by her parents, infant twins Glen and Glenita; husband Lawrence, a daughter Karen Ashton O’Connor, and sister Beckie Peden.

The family will meet with friends 1 until 4 p.m. Monday at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, Hiawatha.

Graveside services will be at 11 Tuesday morning, January 10, 2023, at the Powhattan Cemetery, with Pastor Rich Lehmkuhl officiating.

Memorial contributions are suggested in her name sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., 66434.

www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com