DONNA ASHTON

Donna Louise Ashton of Wasilla was reunited with her Lord on June 26, 2008.

Born in Sandpoint, Idaho, on June 1, 1942, Ashton moved to Alaska, where she met her soul-mate and husband, James “Stu” Ashton. Their 44 years together were filled with love and adventure as they raised their family and moved around Alaska (Fairbanks, Hoonah and Kake).

Wife, mother, grandmother, mentor, friend, business owner (Shear Success, Fairbanks), teacher, musician, artist and writer, to name a few of her passions and talents, Ashton lived a vibrant, thoughtful and courageous life and was cherished by those who were fortunate enough to be touched by her love and friendship, her family wrote.

“Donna’s life passion was focused on service to others and this was reflected in all her endeavors,” they wrote. “Donna was especially passionate about responding to the needs of children. She invited children to live in her home and become part of her family in Hoonah and she mentored many wonderful children in Kake.”

Ashton received inspiration and strength to serve others from her belief in the Baha’i Faith, her family said. “She championed the nobility of the human race through virtues and principles of unity taught by the faith, and this was the basis of her ability to touch so many lives. She was truly a hero to those aware of her selfless sacrifice for the advancement of humanity.”

Ashton is survived by her husband, Stu; children Jim Ashton of Anchorage, Mike Ashton of  Wrangell, Susan Ashton-Spriggs of Fairbanks, Vinita Ashton-Norman of Wasilla and Brian Ashton of Wrangell; brother Stan Schnell of Wrangell; sister Gloria Taylor of Tucson, Ariz.; 19 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

 Services were held Monday, June 30 at the Wasilla Aurora Cemetery.

 Valley Funeral Homes & Crematory of Wasilla and Palmer is assisting the family.