Nelda J (Luton) Ashley

Nel Ashley, age 86 of Aquilla passed away Sunday, November 5, 2023, at Providence Hospice in Waco. A graveside service will be held at 10:00 am Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at Wortham Bend Cemetery in China springs, Texas.

Nel was born April 17, 1937, in Grand Prairie, Texas to Jess and Alice Luton. She began her civil service career at James Connally Air Force Base. It was there she met Staff Sergeant Jim Ashley and later married on August 24, 1956. Nel continued in civil services during his military career and retired from the Waco VA hospital in 1994 after 30 years of federal services.

Much of her leisure time was spent reading and painting. Nel was an accomplished decorative painter for over 30 years. She valued the friendship of all her painter friends. Nel also loved to watch her great-granddaughters play basketball and softball.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, son, and her beloved husband of 58 years.

Nel is survived by her two daughters, Karen Bateman and Dana Alexander: five granddaughters, 10 great-grandchildren, and one great-great granddaughter.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Operation Greater Love, Whitney Veterans Memorial Park, PO Box 127 Whitney, Texas 76692.